Apple has surprised its users by releasing an iOS 17.2.1 update for iPhone devices on Monday, December 4, 2023. The update is aimed at fixing two security vulnerabilities that may have been exploited by hackers.
According to Apple’s security support page, the iOS 17.2.1 update addresses two issues related to the CoreGraphics and WebKit components of the operating system. The CoreGraphics issue could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device by processing a maliciously crafted PDF file. The WebKit issue could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause unexpected application termination by processing maliciously crafted web content.
Apple did not provide any details on how these issues were discovered or whether they were actively exploited in the wild. However, the company acknowledged that it had received reports of potential exploits and credited anonymous researchers for finding the vulnerabilities.
How to install iOS 17.2.1 update on your iPhone?
The iOS 17.2.1 update is available for all iPhone models that support iOS 17, which include iPhone 6s and later. To install the update, you can follow these steps:
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network and has enough battery power.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap on Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode if prompted and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Wait for the update to download and install. Your iPhone will restart during the process.
The update is relatively small, weighing around 100 MB, and should not take more than a few minutes to complete.
What are the other changes in iOS 17.2.1 update?
Besides the security fixes, the iOS 17.2.1 update does not seem to bring any new features or bug fixes to the iPhone. The update does not mention any changes in the release notes, and users have not reported any noticeable differences after installing it.
However, some users have speculated that the update may also fix some of the issues that were reported in the previous iOS 17.2 update, which was released on November 21, 2023. Some of the issues that users complained about in iOS 17.2 include:
- Widgets stuck on the lock screen or home screen, especially the weather widget.
- iPhone overheating or draining battery faster than usual.
- Face ID not working or failing to recognize the user.
- Keyboard freezing or lagging when typing.
- App crashing or not opening properly.
- Notifications not working or showing up late.
- Wallpaper disappearing or changing randomly.
Apple has not confirmed or denied any of these issues, and it is unclear whether the iOS 17.2.1 update has resolved them or not. Users who are still experiencing these problems are advised to contact Apple support or wait for the next iOS update.
What is the next iOS update expected to be?
Apple is currently testing the iOS 17.3 beta version, which is expected to be the next major iOS update. The iOS 17.3 beta version was released to developers and public testers on November 29, 2023, and it includes some new features and improvements, such as:
- A new Journal app that allows users to create and share personal journals with photos, videos, audio, and text.
- A new Focus mode that lets users customize their notifications and home screen based on different activities, such as work, sleep, or personal time.
- A new SharePlay feature that enables users to watch movies, listen to music, or play games together with their friends over FaceTime.
- A new Live Text feature that recognizes text in photos and allows users to copy, translate, or search for it.
- A new App Privacy Report feature that shows users how often apps access their location, photos, camera, microphone, and contacts, and which third-party domains they contact.
The iOS 17.3 beta version also includes some bug fixes and performance enhancements, such as:
- Fixing the issue where the Weather widget may not correctly display snow.
- Fixing the issue where Apple Pay and other NFC features may be unavailable on some devices.
- Fixing the issue where the Screen Time data may be inaccurate or missing.
- Fixing the issue where the iPhone may display a pink screen when waking up from sleep.
The iOS 17.3 beta version is expected to be released to the public in early 2023, after several rounds of testing and feedback. However, Apple may also release minor updates, such as iOS 17.2.2 or iOS 17.2.3, before that, if any urgent issues or security threats are found.
