If you have a relatively new Apple device and update iOS frequently, you’re pretty safe from security flaws. Vulnerabilities tend to be patched quickly when discovered.
But there are a great many users out there with devices that aren’t compatible with the latest and greatest software. If you’re one of them, don’t worry – Apple hasn’t forgotten about you.
This week, Apple released a rare update for older devices to patch an exploit that bad actors could potentially use to execute dangerous code on a device. (This particular vulnerability has already been patched for recent devices with iOS 16.4.1.)
If that sounds like vague tech jargon, that’s because Apple doesn’t like to publicize details for fear of giving hackers too much info on known vulnerabilities. But rest assured, these kind of flaws are not good news.
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that isn’t compatible with the latest operating systems, we’d recommend you check for a software update pronto. Devices still running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, or macOS Big Sur are all in this sweet spot. That includes the first iPhone SE, plus iPhones 6s and 7 and the 7th-gen iPod touch. It also covers the second-gen iPad Air, fourth-gen iPad mini, and a whole load of Macs.
As with all updates, open the Settings app on your device and head to General followed by Software Update. On iPhone or iPad, you’ll be looking for version 15.7.5. Updating will ensure you’re not vulnerable to these flaws.