Apple recently released the iOS 18.4 update with a slew of new features, including new emojis and expanding Apple Intelligence to more regions. A couple of weeks after that update, the Cupertino company has started rolling out iOS 18.4.1 to fix a vulnerability that could have exposed your iPhone and iPad to “extremely sophisticated” attacks. The latest update patches two key security issues, so it is recommended to update your iPhone and iPad as soon as possible.
iOS 18.4.1 Fixes Two Key Vulnerabilities
Apple identified two vulnerabilities that may have been used in targeted attacks against specific individuals. While you might not be the intended target of these attacks, it is recommended that you download this update to ensure you have the most protection available on your Apple devices.
According to iOS 18.4.1 release notes, the latest update patches two security vulnerabilities: one in Core Audio and the other in RPAC, which is a security measure Apple uses to protect against the exploitation of memory corruption bugs.
For the Core Audio issue, Apple notes that processing an audio stream in a maliciously crafted media file may result in code execution. As for RPAC, an attacker with arbitrary read and write capability may have been able to “bypass Pointer Authentication.” Apples says, it is “aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on iOS.”
The latest iOS 18.4.1 update also fixes a rare CarPlay issue where the wireless CarPlay connection wasn’t being detected in certain vehicles.
Which iPhones And iPads Were Affected?
These vulnerabilities could’ve affected a large number of iPhones and iPads. The iOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1 update is available for the following devices:
- iPhone XS and later
- iPad Pro 13-inch
- iPad Pro 13.9-inch 3rd generation and later
- iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later
- iPad Air 3rd generation and later
- iPad 7th generation and later
- iPad mini 5th generation and later
How To Download The iOS 18.4.1 Update
You can follow these steps to download the crucial iOS 18.4.1 update:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General > Software Update.
- Tap on Update Now.
Your iPhone and iPad will then check for the over-the-air update and start downloading the 570MB update once detected.
