On Monday, Apple released a new update for iOS 10 along with critical security patches for compatible devices. Software version 10.2.1 deals with some zero-day exploits in the system that may give access to hackers or malicious agents.
Other than fixing these security issues, the latest iOS build does not bring much to the table for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch owners.
The company launched the new version along with updates for MacOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
Users have expressed their frustration at Apple after Monday’s release because it fails to address a battery bug found in November that makes devices switch off when power reaches 30%.
Which are devices compatible with iOS 10.2.1?
Apple devices compatible with the new iOS 10 update include all models from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPads from the fourth generation onwards, and iPod players after the sixth generation.
What patches come with iOS 10.2.1?
The firm lists thirteen common vulnerabilities and exposures (CEVs) among the threats found and patched in iOS 10.2.1. The new software arrives just two months after the latest build launched in November.
Devices upgraded to the latest system version will no longer suffer from an Auto Lock malfunction that may cause them to unlock themselves when users take off their Apple Watches.
Other fixes include a bug in the Contacts app that causes it to act up when opening a contact card and a WiFi vulnerability that could briefly show the home screen on a locked device.
However, most of the patches in iOS 10.2.1 take care of substantial threats on WebKit, the skeleton software for the Safari browser. These exploits could give hackers a backdoor for controlling files, recording conversations, and downloading software without user’s knowledge.
Out of the eleven bugs fixed for WebKit security, Google’s Project Zero found nine. The team and the initiative are dedicated to detecting zero-day exploits in different software.
How to upgrade your Apple device to iOS 10.2.1
There are two ways to go about upgrading your Apple device to the latest version of iOS. The first one is downloading the update from the iTunes desktop app, and the other one is through an over-the-air (OTA) update.
The second method is the most common, requiring just to go to Settings, selecting General from the menu, and then clicking on Software Update. The handset will show if there are updates available and will ask users to download and install afterward.
iOS 10.2.1 weighs around 70 MB, depending on the device and the update method. Some devices could see the software at 30 MB while others could download as much as 90 MB.
Source: Apple