To everyone’s surprise, Apple has released new updates for several of its operating systems. Here is how macOS 11.3.1, iOS 14.5.1 and watchOS 7.4.1 which contain various security enhancements as well as security system fixes Transparency of application monitoring.
Important and recommended updates for all users
There are several operating systems that have received an update today. In the Mac area, Apple released version 11.3.1 of macOS Big Sur. An update which, according to the company, “brings significant security improvements”. An update that focuses on a WebKit bug that could lead to data corruption when visiting a certain malicious website.
On iPhones and iPads, Apple has also updated the operating system. The new version, iOS and iPadOS 14.5.1 improves a bug present in the App Tracking Transparency system that this could prevent us from receiving the notification when the apps wanted to follow us.
This update fixes an app tracking transparency issue where some users who previously disabled the option to allow apps to request tracking in settings may not receive app notifications after re-enabling it. This update also provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.
Finally, Apple has also updated the software of the Apple Watch. WatchOS version 7.4.1 brings “Important security improvements and recommended for all users”.
At the same time, as a security update, Apple also released iOS 12.5.3. An update for older iPhones and iPads. An update that, in addition to the fixes we see coming in iOS 14.5.1, also includes two security improvements only for these systems.
It’s clear that updates don’t just focus on new releases. Too often we hear people who prefer to “wait and see how it goes, because news is scarce” – a bad idea from a security point of view. It’s updates like today’s that remind us that keeping devices up to date is the safest way.