Apple rushed out iOS 14.5.1 on Monday, an update that fixes a bug in the App Tracking Transparency feature rolled out a week ago.
“This update fixes an issue with App Tracking Transparency where some users who previously disabled Allow Apps to Request to Track in Settings may not receive prompts from apps after re-enabling it,” Apple’s release notes said. “This update also provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.”
iPadOS 14.5.1, a version of the software for iPad users, also arrived Monday.
App Tracking Transparency update
After months of beta testing, iOS 14.5 went live last Monday. App Tracking Transparency, designed to alert users when apps track them across other apps and websites, stood out as its marquee feature. (Here’s how to use App Tracking Transparency.)
The controversial privacy feature drew fire from Facebook and the advertising industry. Certain competitors accused Apple of using App Tracking Transparency to boost its own advertising sales.
Meanwhile, some users did not see App Tracking Transparency alerts immediately after updating to iOS 14.5. Apple initially said that behavior was expected, and that users would see alerts in coming weeks after developers updated their apps.
However, apparently something was amiss behind the scenes as well. Today’s update should set things straight.
Other new features in iOS 14.5
App Tracking Transparency wasn’t the only big new feature in iOS 14.5. The update brought a long-awaited upgrade to Face ID that’s perfect for the COVID-19 pandemic. It lets Apple Watch unlock iPhone when a user’s face is hidden by a mask. (Here’s how to utilize that feature.)
iOS 14.5 also added new features to Apple Maps, including the capability for users to report road hazards and speed traps to aid other drivers. Apple’s Podcasts app also got a major revamp.
It even brought a raft of fun new emoji.
iOS 14.5.1 brings bug fixes, security updates
Aside from fixing App Tracking Transparency, Monday’s iOS 14.5.1 update squashes other bugs, too, and brings security fixes. Apple recommends updating ASAP.
“iOS 14.5.1 includes bug fixes, provides important security updates, and is recommended for all users,” according to Apple’s software update notice.
Apple’s note about the security-related aspect of today’s update included the following information. “Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.”
It also described two known fixes included in iOS 14.5.1 and the iPad equivalent:
- “A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management.”
- “An integer overflow was addressed with improved input validation.”
Apple also issued updates for Mac and Apple Watch on Monday that addressed the same security flaws.
Get iOS 14.5.1 now
Apple pushed out iOS 14.5.1 today via over-the-air updates. To get it, open the Settings app. Then go to General > Software Update.
Source: Apple
