APPLE has released a special update for people with older iPhones.
If you’re using an outdated handset that can’t get the new iOS 16.1 update – or you don’t want to upgrade to it – then you need to install this latest fix as soon as possible.
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It’s called iOS 15.7.1, and will work on some older iPhone models that can’t get iOS 16.
“This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users,” Apple explains.
To find it, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
It comes just days after Apple and cyber-experts issued warnings over a “critical” flaw fixed in this week’s iOS 16.1 update.
The mysterious bug could let hackers hijack your iPhone, and insiders say it’s already been exploited.
“It’s time to update your Apple devices to ward off a zero-day threat discovered by an anonymous researcher,” MalwareByte’s Christopher Boyd warned.
“Apple’s lack of detail means it’s not possible to explain what to watch out for if you think your device may have been compromised.
“The vulnerability affects the kernel code, the core of the software that operates the device. It can be abused to run remote code execution attacks.”
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Christopher added: “At time of writing, there is very little you can do other than fire up your Apple product and make your way to the updates section.
“There is no reason to panic, but no need to delay either.”
The best way to fully prevent the attack is to update to the latest version of iOS.
That’s iOS 16.1, which Apple delivered on Monday – introducing security fixes and some new features to boot.
Apple “is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited”, according to its security page.
This type of issue is known as a “zero-day”, because hackers can already use the flaw before Apple has had a chance to fix it.
Cyber-security firm Sophos warned: “The “clear-and-present danger” prize goes to iOS and iPadOS, which get updated to version 16.1.
“Where one of the listed security vulnerabilities allows kernel code execution from any app, and is already actively being exploited.
“In short, iPhones and iPads need patching right away because of a kernel zero-day.”
To get iOS 6.1 on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple added: “Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product’s security.”
No support
The bad news is that not all users can get iOS 16.1.
If you can upgrade to iOS 16 then you’re fine, but anyway with a very old iPhone model will miss out.
Here’s a list of all the iOS 16 (and iOS 16.1) supported devices:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Not being able to get the latest iOS means you’ll lose access to the most up-to-date security fixes.
These are vital patches that close holes used by hackers to access your systems.
So using a very old iPhone that can’t be updated could put you at risk.
If you can’t update to iOS 16, consider upgrading your iPhone sooner rather than later.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
