Apple released a brand new iOS 11 update for the iPad and iPhone this morning that makes some big fixes to HomeKit.
iOS 11.2.1 comes a little over a week after Apple dropped iOS 11.2 on the public bringing Apple Pay Cash and a host of bug fixes. The new update is being released along with tvOS 11.2.1 to restore some HomeKit functionality after Apple patched a bug server-side earlier this week.
To download iOS 11.2.1, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and go to General >> Software Update to download and install it over the air. You can also install it via iTunes if you like doing things the old school way.
iOS 11.2.1 and tvOS 11.2.1 both re-enable remote access for shared users of the Home app. Apple broke the functionality temporarily after a bug was discovered in HomeKit that allowed attackers to gain full-access to HomeKit connected smart appliances like locks and garage doors.
With today’s update, the HomeKit security flaw is fully patched and all other features have been restored.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
2 responses to “Download iOS 11.2.1 immediately for crucial HomeKit fixes”
I can think of a few more bugs I’ve seen since iOS 11 hit: the clock on the access screen keeps disappearing. I need to restart my phone weekly to fix it.
Just upgraded my Apple TV 4 to tvOS 12.2.1 hoping that the HomeKit issue would have been fixed (meaning that I would regain remote access to HomeKit).
But it did not solve the issue for my 10.3.3 devices – these devices still do not have remote access – they only have access on local network. :-(
Does Apple still have to disable the server side fix they did last week?
Or has Apple left the older idevices (iPhones and iPads still running iOS10.3.x) in the dark?