iOS 17.6 – Warning to all iPhone users to update now

Apple has released iOS 17.6, with a warning that you should update now. That’s because iOS 17.6 comes with 35 powerful security fixes for critical vulnerabilities in Apple’s iPhone operating system.

Apple isn’t offering much detail about what’s been fixed in iOS 17.6, to allow as many people as possible to update before attackers can get their hands on the information. However, a list on Apple’s support page shows that iOS 17.6 patches vulnerabilities in the kernel at the heart of the iPhone’s operating system as well as several flaws in WebKit, the engine that powers the Safari browser.

The iOS 17.6 update has been a long time coming. Apple released its last major security update, iOS 17.5, in mid-May.

Security Fixes in iOS 17.6

Among the noteworthy fixes, iOS 17.6 fixes two kernel flaws that have been tracked as CVE-2024-27863 CVE-2024-40788. The first issue could allow an adversary to determine the kernel memory layout while the second issue could enable an attacker to cause the system to shut down unexpectedly, according to Apple. Support PageBoth vulnerabilities require an attacker to have physical access to your iPhone.

The iOS 17.6 update also fixes eight major issues in Web Kitincluding CVE-2024-40785, which could lead to a cross-site scripting attack if you fall victim to maliciously crafted web content.

Along with iOS 17.6, Apple has released iOS 16.7.9 For older iPhones, fix a smaller list of vulnerabilities.

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Why You Should Update to iOS 17.6 Now

While none of these issues have been used in real-world attacks yet, some of the security flaws fixed in iOS 17.6 are quite serious. If an attacker can take over the kernel, they could potentially take control of your iPhone.

But there is another reason to update to iOS 17.6 this time around: It could be the last update before Apple releases iOS 18 in September. Some Apple users will be hesitant to update to iOS 18 because they want to wait for a few early updates to fix early bugs.

Apple is well aware of this, and the iPhone maker typically updates its older operating system with important security fixes a month or so after a major upgrade. However, these fixes aren’t comprehensive, which means you’re always safer on the latest iPhone OS.

Apple’s iOS 17.6 update is available for iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.

iOS 18 is still a long way off, so updating to iOS 17.6 now will ensure your iPhone is as secure as possible while you wait. What are you waiting for? Go to Settings > General > Software Update and upgrade your iPhone to iOS 17.6 now.