Apple has released the latest iOS update iOS 16.6 to all iPhone users who can access the new software updates starting today.
It features “important bug fixes and security updates,” as stated in the release notes.
For other Apple devices
It has also released corresponding updates for other devices- iPadOS 16.6, tvOS 16.6, watchOS 9.6, and macOS 13.5 updates.
Additionally, a separate update for HomePod brings “performance and stability improvements.”
iOS 16.6
The latest update has been in the developer and public beta phase since May.
Although there are no new features, it fixes important security issues, making it crucial for iPhone users to immediately update.
It is expected to be one of the final updates for iOS 16 before shifting focus to only security updates.
Security fixes
With this update Apple has fixed as many as 16 security vulnerabilities.
It said that only two out of the 16 may have been actively exploited by hackers and bad actors before it could release a fix.
The two security vulnerabilities had to do with Apple’s Find My and Neural Engine.
The new update fixes an issue that allowed apps to read sensitive location information and an app’s ability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges respectively.
The release also fixes a number of user reported bugs.
Supported devices
The iOS 16.6 update is available on iPhone 8 and later versions.
The iPadOS 16.6 is available for iPad Air 3rd generation and later, 5th generation iPads and later, and 5th generation iPad mini and later.
How to update
All supported iPhones should receive an automatic update notification, but if you don’t, you can initiate the process manually.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Here you will see iOS 16.6 if it is available for your device
- Tap Download and Install
- Next, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update
- After the update is finished the phone will automatically restart
iOS 17
The next version, the iOS 17, is scheduled for release in September.
It will contain a new standby mode, major upgrades for Messages, Phone and FaceTime, an improved autocorrect system drop the ‘Hey Siri’ command for ‘Siri,’ add interactive widgets, mood tracking and journaling, support for shared AirTags, and much more.
For now Apple has made iOS 17 beta 4 available to those enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.
It offers an early look at upcoming apps, features and technologies.
Devices losing support
However, Apple will no longer support iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.
Thus, iOS 16 is the final update for those specific models.
But Apple will still continue to provide security updates for older iOS versions on compatible hardware for several years.
