Apple released iOS 17.1.2 and macOS Sonoma 14.1.2 on Thursday. These are security patches for bugs that have been actively exploited by hackers. As such, they come strongly recommended.
iPadOS 17.1.2 was also released to take care of the same issues.
iPhone security patches are important
iPhone, Mac and iPad are in use by hundreds of millions of people around the world, so it’s no surprise that hackers try to get access to the information stored on them. Apple fights back by patching any weak spots that are found in the security protections built into the devices.
The release notes for the new iOS 17.1.2 say simply, “This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.”
Apple’s description of the fixes indicates that both are to WebKit. They deal with problems in which “processing web content may disclose sensitive information.” And each comes with the warning, “Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.1.”
The same security fixes are made in iPadOS 17.1.2.
And macOS Sonoma 14.1.2 too
It isn’t just iPhone and iPad users that need to install a security patch on Thursday. macOS Sonoma 14.1.2 also just launched. Its release notes say, “This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.”
And the details of the two security fixes echo the ones for iOS. Including the warning that “this issue may have been exploited.”
How to install iOS 17.1.2, etc.
iPhone and iPad users can install the new iOS and iPadOS versions directly by opening the Settings app and going to General > Software Update. Alternatively, you can update your devices by connecting them to a Mac (or to a PC running iTunes).
Anyone with a compatible Mac can download macOS Sonoma 14.1.2 now. Go to Apple menu > About This Mac. Then click Software Update. Alternatively, you can install the new version from the App Store. (Note: At the time of this writing, Apple had not yet updated the version of macOS Sonoma in the App Store. But it should happen soon.)
