Apple has released updates for iOS and iPadOS 17.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1, watchOS 10.1, and others.
Apple also released security updates for a few previous-generation operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS 16.7.2, 15.8, macOS Ventura 13.6.1, macOS Monterey 12.7.1, & the Safari 17.1 update for macOS.
Apple has started treating old iOS releases similar to macOS. It is rolling over from 15.7.x to 15.8.x following the numbering pattern Apple has used for the last few macOS releases.
Apple will stop support for the new hardware with iOS security updates, but for now, the users can enjoy the grace period.
The company has released a security update for iOS 15, the first since mid-September.
This suggests that Apple plans to keep supporting the iOS 15 version with security updates for a longer period. The update will only run on devices that can’t install iOS 16 or 17, like iPhone 6S and iPad Air 2.
Apple doesn’t publish official end-of-life notices for its software, so updates for older OSes generally end with shorter notice.
However, Apple has a predictable policy of providing security & feature updates to the current macOS version, along with Safari & security updates to the previous versions.
The release of iOS 15.8 suggests that Apple may be moving towards treating older iOS releases the same way it treats macOS, providing security updates for several years after their replacement.
This would be a positive development for users who hang on to their devices for a long time or hand them down to their friends or family members.
It is important to note that Apple has said that only its latest OS is guaranteed to be fully patched.
Older versions may receive different security updates than the latest ones.
However, even partial support is better than none, and today’s release is a sign that Apple is committed to keeping older devices secure for as long as possible.
Also read: Apple ‘Scary Fast’ Event Recap – What’s Up With The New M3 Chips?
What’s new in iOS 16.7.2?
The iOS 16.7.2 update includes 17 security fixes, including the following:
- CVE-2023-32359: A vulnerability in WebKit that could allow arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.
- CVE-2023-40447: A vulnerability in WebKit that could allow arbitrary code execution.
- CVE-2023-42852: A vulnerability in WebKit that could lead to arbitrary code execution.
- CVE-2023-41976: A vulnerability in WebKit that could allow code execution.
- CVE-2023-41983: A vulnerability in WebKit that could allow code execution.
- CVE-2023-32434: A vulnerability in the kernel that could allow cyber criminals to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
What’s new in iOS 15.8?
The iOS 15.8 update includes a single security fix, including the following:
CVE-2023-32434: A vulnerability in the kernel that could allow the attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
How to update your device?
To update your device to iOS 16.7.2 or iOS 15.8, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple recommends that all users install the latest iOS security updates as soon as possible to protect their devices from known vulnerabilities.