Apple smashes Messages, CarPlay and HomeKit bugs with iOS 15.2.1

By

iOS 15.2.1 update squashes some bugs in Messages and CarPlay.
iOS 15.2.1 squashes some bugs in Messages and CarPlay.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

iPhone users got small “bug fix” update on Wednesday. iOS 15.2.1 takes care of problems with Messages and CarPlay. And a HomeKit bug that made the news recently. In addition, iPadOS 15.2.1 is also out to take care of the same Messages bug.

Both updates are available for all, and are ready to be installed immediately.

What’s new in iOS 15.2.1

Apple’s release notes for the iPhone update say:

iOS 15.2.1 contains bug fixes for your iPhone including:

  • Messages may not load photos sent using an iCloud Link
  • Third-party CarPlay apps may not respond to input

The security notes say that the update also takes care of a bug in which “processing a maliciously crafted HomeKit accessory name may cause a denial of service.” Give a smart home gadget a super-long name and iPhones and iPads that connect to it can be rendered completely unresponsive.

The iPadOS 15.2.1 version of the release notes just covers the Messages and HomeKit bugs.

There are apparently no new features in either the iOS or iPadOS update. They are just to fix bugs. The last update with additional capabilities was in mid-December. But Apple is already working on the next update, iOS 15.3 and the iPad equivalent. It seeded the second round of betas for these to developers on Wednesday.

How to install the iOS and iPad OS updates

iPhone or iPad users can install iOS 15.2.1 or iPadOS 15.2.1 by connecting the device to a Mac, or to a PC running iTunes. Alternatively, an over-the-air update is also possible. That’s accomplished by opening the Settings app and going to General > Software Update.

Note: The article was updated with details on the HomeKit bug at 2:20 on January 12, 2022.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.