Security Updates
Apple has released iOS 17.6, likely the last major update before iOS 18, which addresses several security vulnerabilities. New versions are also available for macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS.
On Monday evening, Apple released updates for its major operating systems, including iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, visionOS 1.3, and tvOS 17.6. The updates do not bring any visible new features but focus on important bug fixes and security improvements. New features are not expected until the fall with the release of iOS 18.
In iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6, over 30 security vulnerabilities are addressed. This includes a kernel bug that could cause the system to crash. Some privacy issues with Siri allowed unauthorized access to sensitive information. Certain bugs in WebKit could lead to unexpected process crashes. Additionally, other bugs in different components could cause apps to crash unexpectedly or allow sensitive data to be read.
Many of these security vulnerabilities were also addressed in watchOS 10.6, tvOS 17.6, visionOS 1.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.6. For older devices, updates to iOS 16.7.9 and iPadOS 16.7.9, iOS 15.8.3 and iPadOS 15.8.3, as well as macOS Ventura 13.6.8 and macOS Monterey 12.7.6 are available, which also address some of these issues. Safari also receives a security update with version 17.6.
A new feature seems to be exclusive to macOS 14.6: With this update, the 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 now supports two external displays in closed case mode.
The updates are free and are now available through the system settings of the respective devices. Users should ensure that their devices are sufficiently charged and connected to a stable Internet connection to download and install the updates smoothly.