Table of contents
Apple, the tech behemoth released the latest iOS update 17.1.2 shortly after releasing the 17.1.1 update in the past month. This urgent release of the iOS 17.1.2 update was in response to fix the security flaws discovered in WebKit, the company’s web browser engine.
Source: (1)
Source: (2)
Latest iOS Update 17.1.2
Apple released the latest iOS update 17.1.2 on November 30 for public download. The primary intention of the urgent release of the latest update is to correct the potential security flaws discovered in the previous version 17.1.1.
The company stressed the importance of this update quoting:
“This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.”
Source: (3)
Apple strongly advises its users to download and install the latest iOS update 17.2.1 as soon as possible. It shall be noted that the latest iOS update was initially supposed to be released later this month, including new features and minor bug fixes.
However, the discovery of security flaws prompted the urgent release of the latest iOS update 17.1.2. Along with the update, security advisories were issued, detailing two updates that directly target WebKit, Apple’s web browser engine.
According to the notes, processing web content may disclose sensitive information, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
Source: (4)
How to Download iOS 17.1.2 Update?
- Launch Settings on your iPhone
- Now scroll down and open General
- Navigate and click on Software Update
- Refresh once and then you shall receive the update displayed on the screen
- Click download and install and done, you have successfully downloaded the latest version of iOS 17.1.2.
Ensure you keep the automatic updates ‘On,’ this shall make it easier for you to access the latest iOS updates. Notably, this version of iOS 17.1.2 is only focused on security patches, with no new features introduced.
The Bug in iOS Update 17.1.1
The bug was discovered in the NameDrop feature which led to the urgent release of the latest iOS update 17.2.1. Law enforcement authorities in the United States have also warned iPhone users about the feature’s default setting is ‘ON’ which could result in unintended exchange of contact information.
Since, by holding the smartphone close enough, this capability permits the transfer of contact information and photographs between iPhones. However, it is to be noted that the latest update for iOS does not include any new features but is only focused on security fixes.
Apple’s subsequent security alerts also uncovered two ‘zero-day vulnerabilities’ that required quick patching. These previously undisclosed vulnerabilities especially relate to WebKit used by Safari, Mail, App Store and a variety of Apple programs.
Users who are still on iOS 17.1.1 should update to the latest iOS version immediately since their devices are vulnerable to potential exploits. iPad users are also encouraged to download and update their devices to the latest version of iPadOS 17.1.2.
The public beta version of iOS 17.1.2 has been released but we recommend users not install the latest version of iOS unless they have sufficiently backed up their iPhones. Once you have updated to the latest version of iOS 17.1.2, then you shall remain worry-free.
How to Check the Current iOS Version?
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone
- Scroll down and navigate to General
- Now select About and click on iOS version, if it shows 17.1.2 then you have successfully updated your iOS to the latest version.
- However, if it shows 17.1.1 then scroll up and follow the steps given to download the latest version of iOS.
As mentioned earlier, enable automatic updates which shall upgrade iOS itself while the device is resting or charging overnight.
Who Can Download the Latest Version of iOS 17.1.2?
All iPhones released in or after 2018 can download the latest version of iOS 17.1.2 including:
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11 (All Models)
- iPhone 12 (All Models)
- iPhone 13 (All Models)
- iPhone 14 (All Models)
- iPhone 15 (All Models)
Apple Updates
The urgent release of the latest Apple iOS version 17.1.2 demonstrates the company’s dedication to rapidly addressing security vulnerabilities. The company highly encouraged users to upgrade their devices to protect themselves from being exposed to exploits.
This update’s surprise nature contrasts with the excitement surrounding iOS 17.1.2, which was initially scheduled to offer new features and address existing concerns in December.
Source: (5)
