Apple rushes out iOS 13.5.1, macOS supplemental update with important security fixes

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The iOS 13.5.1 update brings important security fixes.
iPadOS and iOS 13.5.1 are out and “recommended for all users“ by Apple.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 13.5.1 on Monday, along with an iPad equivalent, bringing “important security updates” to its mobile operating systems. The speed of their introduction suggests anyone running the latest version on their iPhone or iPad should upgrade ASAP.

Also Monday, Apple dropped Small updates for Mac, Apple Watch and HomePod. Plus the latest beta versions of iOS and iPadOS for developers.

iOS 13.5.1 is all about security

Apple released iPadOS 13.5.1 and iOS 13.5.1 just a week after iOS 13.5 and with no beta testing, indicating it thinks the security bug fixed by these patches is a critical one. The release note for the iPhone update says only “This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.”

But a security note includes the warning that, without this fix, “An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.”

And iOS 13.5.1 and the iPadOS equivalent are available for all to download now. To install the new software on a handset or tablet, open the Settings application, then go to General > Software Updates. Or connect the computer to a Mac running iTunes.

macOS supplemental update too

Mac users shouldn’t feel left out. Apple released a small patch for macOS Catalina 10.15.5 today as well. According to the release notes, “macOS Catalina 10.15.5 supplemental update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.“

it’s available for download now from Apple’s website.

Updates for Apple Watch, Apple TV and HomePod

There are fresh system software updates for more devices, too. Apple Watch got watchOS 6.2.6 on Monday, also a security update. It can be installed through the iOS Watch app.

Two of this company’s smart home devices also got updates. Apple TV users can install tvOS 13.4.6, while HomePod 13.4.6 debuted as well.

And the first iOS and iPadOS 13.5.5 betas for developers

Although iOS 14 is likely to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference later this month, work on updates for iOS 13 isn’t over. Developers got their first look at betas for iOS 13.5.5 and iPadOS 13.5.5 today.

It’s not yet clear what new features are included, if any. Release notes for the iPhone edition say only “The beta version of iOS 13.5.5 contains bug fixes and improvements.” Given the version number, these are likely to be just more tweaks for the major update introduced last Monday.

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