With so many issues surrounding the latest iPhone update, we were hoping an update to iOS 16.4 would arrive sooner rather than later. It’s here now, and if you have an iPhone running iOS 16.4 or earlier, you need to open Settings, tap GeneralSO Software update, and grab iOS 16.4.1.
This small point release likely includes several underlying fixes. Over the past week we’ve written about issues with weather and universal control, but none are explicitly mentioned in the release notes. Known fixes for iOS 16.4.1 are a Siri flaw where it can sometimes become unresponsive, and a complexion issue with a single emoji, but the real reason you want it is because it fixes two security flaws which may have already been exploited.
iOS 16.4.1 Release Notes
Apple’s official release notes are very brief, simply stating that the update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone, including:
- Pushing hands emoji doesn’t show skin tone variations
- Siri not responding in some cases
Skin tones on a single emoji don’t seem like a reason to rush a .x.1 update, and the Siri issue wasn’t widespread enough to warrant a rushed release on Friday either. But security patches are essential.
iOS 16.4.1 Security Updates
There are two security updates in iOS 16.4.1, both of which allow execution of arbitrary code and which may have already been actively exploited. This means that it is essential to get the update immediately because hackers are already using these flaws to attack machines.
IOSurfaceAccelerator
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
- Description: An out-of-bounds write issue has been resolved with better input validation.
Webkit
- Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to the execution of arbitrary code Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
- Description: A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Whenever you see “arbitrary code” and “actively exploited”, you know it’s time to update your device.
How to Get iOS 16.4.1
- Open Settings.
- Faucet General.
- Faucet Software update.
- Faucet Download and install Or Install now.
