0

Apple Releases iOS 16.4.1 Update with Important Security Fixes and Bug Patches

Apple has released iOS 16.4.1, a minor update to its operating system that includes important security fixes and bug patches.^[0] The update was released just two weeks after the release of iOS 16.4 and is now available for download on all eligible iPhones. The update includes patches for two security issues that Apple said might be actively exploited.^[1] An issue was addressed concerning the IOSurfaceAccelerator bug that could have enabled an intruder to execute arbitrary code or commands on the destination device without the user's awareness.^[0] The second bug fix addresses a vulnerability in WebKit, the browser engine of Apple, which enables attackers to execute commands on the phone of a target.^[0]

In addition to the security fixes, the update also addresses issues that some iPhone users have experienced, such as Siri not responding to requests and the new pushing hands emoji not showing various skin tones. While the update is a minor one, it is still a significant improvement for users who rely on the voice assistant for various tasks. Apple is also testing iOS 16.5, which includes a few changes such as a Sports tab becoming available in the Apple News app and the ability to start a screen recording session via Siri.^[2]

In addition, the update addresses certain iPhone functions that some users may have encountered issues with, such as Siri's unresponsiveness to commands. Even though it may appear as a minor adjustment, it is a noteworthy enhancement for individuals who heavily depend on the voice assistant to carry out diverse activities. Furthermore, the latest update incorporates diverse skin tone options for the “pushing hands emoji” which is a much-appreciated modification among certain users.^[3]

The WebKit vulnerability is expected to be addressed in the new Safari 16.4.1 update for macOS Monterey and macOS Big Sur, recently released by Apple.^[4] The updates for macOS Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16 also include a fix for another security vulnerability in IOSurfaceAccelerator, a system framework.^[5] The loophole enables the execution of arbitrary code with the identical privileges as that of kernel code.^[6] According to Apple, the vulnerability could potentially be exploited by attackers who are already active in the wild.^[6]

Universal Control and Handoff are still broken in macOS and iPadOS, according to some user reports.^[7] With the Universal Control feature from Apple, you can effortlessly manage several iPads and Macs using only one mouse, keyboard, and trackpad. Universal Control enables effortless use of your keyboard, mouse or trackpad on both your Mac and iPad, allowing for seamless transition between connected devices. The cursor automatically shifts between screens based on their respective positions. You can also move content between screens by simply dragging and dropping it.^[8]

If you have an eligible iPhone and wish to download the iOS 16.4.1 update, simply navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and press the Download and Install button.^[9] After the release of iOS 16.4 and iOS 16.4.1 updates, Apple is no longer signing iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1. If iPhone and iPad users have already updated to a newer version of iOS, they will no longer be able to revert back to this particular version of the operating system.^[10]

0. “Apple releases iOS 16.4.1 to patch a pair of vulnerabilities and fix two minor issues” PhoneArena, 7 Apr. 2023, https://www.phonearena.com/news/ios-16.4.1-released_id146766

1. “Apple fixes security vulnerabilities and bugs with iOS and macOS updates [Updated]” Cult of Mac, 7 Apr. 2023, https://www.cultofmac.com/812014/ios-16-4-1-ipados-macos-13-3-1-apple-bug-hunt

2. “Confirmed: Apple Testing iOS 16.4.1 for iPhone” Mactrast, 5 Apr. 2023, https://www.mactrast.com/2023/04/confirmed-apple-testing-ios-16-4-1-for-iphone

3. “Siri not responding? iOS 16.4.1 update will fix it alongside other vulnerabilities, bugs” News9 LIVE, 7 Apr. 2023, https://www.news9live.com/technology/mobile-phone/siri-not-responding-ios-16-4-1-update-will-fix-it-alongside-other-vulnerabilities-bugs-au1146-2098174

4. “iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1 Fix Actively Exploited Vulnerabilities” MacRumors, 7 Apr. 2023, https://www.macrumors.com/2023/04/07/ios-16-4-1-macos-13-3-1-vulnerability-fixes/

5. “iOS 16.4.1 and macOS 13.3.1 address two security vulnerabilities” Ars Technica, 7 Apr. 2023, https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/04/ios-16-4-1-and-macos-13-3-1-address-two-security-vulnerabilities/

6. “Update Your Apple Devices Now to Fix a Safari Security Flaw” How-To Geek, 7 Apr. 2023, https://www.howtogeek.com/884759/update-your-apple-devices-now-to-fix-a-safari-security-flaw/

7. “Latest iPadOS and macOS updates break Universal Control and Handoff for many users” 9to5Mac, 4 Apr. 2023, https://9to5mac.com/2023/04/04/universal-control-handoff-not-working/

8. “Universal Control and Handoff are broken in macOS and iPadOS” Ghacks, 5 Apr. 2023, https://www.ghacks.net/2023/04/05/universal-control-and-handoff-are-broken-in-macos-and-ipados/

9. “Skip the iOS 16.4 FOMO: Download It Now for New Emoji and Voice Isolation” msnNOW, 3 Apr. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/skip-the-ios-16-4-fomo-download-it-now-for-new-emoji-and-voice-isolation/ar-AAZsGhd

10. “Apple stops signing iOS 16.3.1, blocks downgrade from 16.4” 9to5Mac, 8 Apr. 2023, https://9to5mac.com/2023/04/07/apple-stops-signing-ios-16-3-1-following-the-release-of-ios-16-4-and-ios-16-4-1/