Apple has announced the release of an update that addresses dozens of security flaws on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, Safari, and Xcode.
In an update issued on Nov. 3, Apple said that the iOS fix targets the iPhone 11 and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 8th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
For its desktops and laptops, Apple released fixes for macOS Tahoe, macOS Sequoia, and macOS Sonoma. Patches were released for tvOS, watchOS, visionOS, Safari, and Xcode.
Apple has always maintained that it will not release the full details of its security fixes. More than 36 security fixes in all were released this week for various iPhone and iPad models.
A notice issued for the iPhone and iPad security update said that it fixed an issue in which “an app may be able to identify what other apps a user has installed,” while another fix targeted a security flaw in which a “malicious app may be able to take a screenshot of sensitive information in embedded views.”
Other patches included fixes to an iPhone and iOS kernel flaw, fixes to a problem where “an app may be able to learn information about the current camera view before being granted camera access,” and a problem that could lead “an attacker with physical access to an unlocked device paired with a Mac may be able to view sensitive user information in system logging,” according to Apple’s note.
Meanwhile, several patches were released for the WebKit browser engine used by Safari, the Mail app, the App Store, and other programs, including instances where a user could process “maliciously crafted code” that may lead to a crash.
How to Manually Update Devices
People who use iOS and iPadOS can check if they are using the latest operating system version by going to the Settings app, tapping General, and then selecting Software Update.
Users can then tap the “Update Now” or “Update Tonight” buttons to perform the security update.
If it’s not already enabled, users can turn on the Automatic Updates feature. It’s generally located on the same Software Update screen.
Those using macOS on any version should go to the Apple Menu in the upper-left portion of their screen, choose System Settings or System Preferences in some older versions, click General in the sidebar, and then click Software Update on the right. Older macOS versions can look for the Software Update section directly.
If updates are available after the system checks, click “Update Now” or “Upgrade Now” for older versions. Users will then be asked to follow some on-screen instructions, which may include entering their administrator password if they have one, before the downloading and installation procedure is completed.
Apple Watch users can go to the Watch app on their iPhone, tap General, and then tap Software Update. If an update appears, users can tap “Download and Install.”
Apple TV users are advised to turn on their Apple TV before navigating to System and accessing Software Updates. Then, they can select Update Software, and if an update appears, select “Download and Install”.
