CERT-In Warns of Multiple Security Vulnerabilities Affecting Older iPhone, iPad Models: All You Need to Know

iPhone and iPad owners should update their devices to the latest available versions of iOS and iPadOS, especially older models that were not eligible to receive the latest version of iOS, according to CERT-In — or Indian Computer Emergency Response Team. The nodal security agency tasked with handling cybersecurity threats in the country recently issued a vulnerability note that warns of security flaws affecting some models running on iOS 16.7 or iPadOS 16.7 and older versions and asks users to update their devices.

In its vulnerability note CIVN-2023-0303 issued earlier in October, CERT-In has highlighted security flaws that affected older versions of iOS and iPadOS that were patched by the iPhone maker in an update released last month. According to the agency, the flaws affect versions before iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1. The company rolled out iOS 17, the latest version of its mobile operating system, back in September. However, older models that were not eligible will remain on iOS 16 and receive occasional security updates.

CERT-In points to Apple’s support article that details the security issues patched by the company with the update to iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1. With the recent update for older devices, Apple fixed a flaw causing improper validation in a kernel component on Apple’s operating system. The kernel is a core piece of software that has wide-ranging access and interfaces between the operating system and the device hardware. The flaw may have been actively exploited on older iOS versions, according to Apple. 

Similarly, Apple also patched a buffer overflow issue that was discovered in a WebRTC (a real time communication protocol used by several web services) component, on the latest iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1 update. According to the firm, a malicious user could gain elevated privileges on these operating systems and run nefarious code on a victim’s device.

Fortunately, it’s easy to protect yourself if you are running a slightly older iPhone or iPad. CERT-In points to Apple’s support page for the latest iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1 updates and states that users can update their devices to the latest version to remain safe from the security vulnerabilities.

While CERT-In’s advisory covers the security vulnerabilities patched on iOS 16.7.1, Apple has since released iOS 16.7.2 alongside iOS 17.1. These updates arrived on October 25 with fixes for even more flaws related to various system components and apps like Safari, Siri, Find My, Weather, and the iOS kernel. 

Owners of the iPhone 8, iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad (5th generation), iPad mini (5th generation) and iPad Pro models that are running on iOS 16 can also manually check for an update on their smartphone or tablet.

How to download the latest iOS update

  1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network and charge your iPhone or iPad to more than 50 per cent.
  2. Tap on General > Software Update in the Settings app.
  3. Wait for the iOS 16.7.2 update to be listed, then tap on Update Now.
  4. Enter your phone’s passcode, to begin the update process and wait for your phone to reboot.


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Kaspersky Finds Cybersecurity Threat That Targets iPhone Users via Malicious iMessage Attachment

Prominent cybersecurity and anti-virus firm Kaspersky has discovered a new cyberattack threat that targets iPhone models running older versions of iOS via iMessage application. The malware, found when the company was monitoring its own Wi-Fi network for mobile devices, infects the phone via a received iMessage, which contains a malicious attachment. The threat doesn’t require the iPhone user to do anything and utilises iOS vulnerability to install a spyware that takes complete control of device and user data.

According to a report about their findings published by Kaspersky, the malicious attachment sent via iMessage executes a code without the need for any action from the user. The malicious code then runs a set of commands for collection of private user data.

Kaspersky CEO Eugene Kaspersky tweeted about the iOS cyberattack, detailing that the spyware extracts private information like microphone recordings, photos from instant messengers, geolocation, and other data and transmits it to remote servers. The firm has dubbed the cyberattack threat as “Operation Triangulation.”

Kaspersky said that the malware was found on the iPhones of dozens of employees and could target other iPhone users as well. He also added that the threat had been neutralised and details of the vulnerability have been sent to Apple. The CEO also noted that disabling the iMessage service would prevent vulnerable iOS devices from the attack.

The company said that after the malware is successfully installed on the device, the initial text and the accompanying exploit in the iMessage attachment are deleted. Kaspersky’s report said the attack was ongoing, and iOS 15.7 was the most recent version among the devices that were successfully targeted. iPhone models running iOS 16 appear to be safe from the threat, but Kaspersky did mention in the comments section of its report that they could not guarantee that other iOS versions were safe.

On Friday, Kaspersky also released tools for users to check if their device was infected.

Back in February, Apple released updates that fixed major vulnerabilities with iOS 16.3 and macOS 13.2 for supported iPhone, iPad and Mac models. At the time, Apple credited the researchers who found the flaws that allowed a remote user to bypass protections put in place by Apple and gain access to a user’s personal data as well as their camera, microphone, and call history.


Apple’s annual developer conference is just around the corner. From the company’s first mixed reality headset to new software updates, we discuss all the things we’re looking forward to seeing at WWDC 2023 on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 Update Rolling Out With End-to-End iCloud Encryption, Security Keys Support: Details

iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates have begun rolling out for eligible iPhone and iPad models. The stable updates to iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 come 4 months after the first iOS 16 update was released by the Cupertino, California-based tech giant. Apple’s recent smartphones will now support Advanced Data Protection, which adds support for end-to-end encryption on iCloud. The update also adds support for security keys, which means Apple devices now support physical security keys for two-factor authentication. The update also brings other bug fixes, performance enhancements, and introduces support for Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) on supported iPhone models.

According to Apple’s changelog announcing the stable iOS 16.3 update, users on iPhone 8 and newer models can now enable Advanced Data Protection on their iCloud accounts, which will protect data from apps like Messages, Photos, and Safari. Meanwhile, the latest iOS 16.3, and iPadOS 16.3 updates also introduce support for the use of physical security keys for two-factor authentication while signing into an Apple ID, for added security.

As part of the latest iOS 16.3, Apple has also introduced support for the new HomePod (2nd Gen) that allows for easy pairing, and music transfer between iPhone devices and the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen).

Meanwhile, the Emergency SOS call mechanism has also been updated on iOS 16.3, with the user now required to release their hold on the power and volume toggle buttons to trigger an emergency SOS call. The update also fixes an issue with the FreeForm app where drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or hand were not appearing on shared boards.

The update also fixes bugs that caused lock screen blackouts, horizontal lines on waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max, the Home lock screen widget not displaying the Home app status correctly, and Siri not responding to music requests, according to the company.

Apple has also introduced a new Unity wallpaper that the company had announced earlier as part of its celebration for Black History Month in the US in February, as part of the iOS 16.3 update.


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iOS 16.1.1, iPadOS 16.1.1, macOS Ventura 13.0.1 Updates With Security Fixes Released: All You Need to Know

iOS 16.1.1 update along with the first public update to macOS Ventura in in the form of macOS 13.0.1 were rolled out by the iPhone and MacBook manufacturer on Wednesday. The new software update to the operating system for iPhone and iPad models brings a range of bugs fixes and performance improvements. Meanwhile, the macOS Ventura 13.0.1 update brings with it patches for two security flaws that caused arbitrary error code execution that were widely reported on MacBook devices running on MacOS Ventura. The Cupertino, California-based company, however, has not shared the exact details of the bug fixes on the latest iOS 16.1.1 update, but reports indicate that it seems to have fixed a number of issues, including complaints about Wi-Fi connectivity on devices running iOS 16.

Apple’s release notes announcing the software update to iOS 16.1.1 states that it comes with bug fixes and performance improvements, without providing details of the issues that were resolved. Meanwhile, the company’s release notes for the MacOS Ventura 13.0.1 update lists two specific security patches that include fixes for the libxml2 library, which address issues that could allow a remote user to unexpectedly terminate an app and execute arbitrary code on their devices.

iPhone, and iPad users wishing to update their OS to the latest iOS 16.1.1 and iPadOS 16.1.1 versions respectively may do so by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

The update will be available for iPhone 8 and later models, all iPad Pro models, iPad Air 3rd generation and later models, iPad 5th generation and later models, and iPad mini 5th generation and later models.

The update to macOS Ventura 13.0.1 also brings two libxml2 security fixes, according to the company’s release notes. The first security fix resolves an issue where a remote user could unexpectedly terminate an app and execute arbitrary code on their devices. The security patches were developed in partnership with Maddie Stone, Ned Williamson, and Nathan Wachholz of Google Project Zero, according to the release notes.

Meanwhile, beta versions of Apple’s upcoming OS updates, including iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1, were also rolled out to testers by the company. iOS 16.2, and MacOS Ventura are tipped to release publicly by mid-December this year. Meanwhile, iPadOS 16.2 is tipped to arrive by March 2023, according to the same report.


Apple launched the iPad Pro (2022) and the iPad (2022) alongside the new Apple TV this week. We discuss the company’s latest products, along with our review of the iPhone 14 Pro on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

 

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iOS 16.1 to Be Announced Tonight: Expected New Features, How to Install It

Apple has reportedly confirmed that iOS 16.1 will be released as a free update on October 24, which means it could appear as a download option for users in India as soon as Monday night. iOS 16.1 will be available to all the same devices that iOS 16 is currently able to run on, which means all iPhones powered by the A11 Bionic SoC and later, starting with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. iOS 16.1 will include the usual bug fixes and behind-the-scenes improvements, but a number of the headlining features of iOS 16 which weren’t ready at the time of its release are also expected to roll out.

iPhone users can navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to check for iOS 16.1 on their device, or wait for a prompt, if they have automatic updates enabled. 

iOS 16.1 features

iOS 16.1 will introduce some very visible new features, most notably Live Activities which are notifications that can stay pinned to users’ lockscreens to show live updates of ongoing activities. These could include sports scores, breaking news, and even status updates for delivery apps. The Live Activities API will allow third-party app developers to create integrations with the iOS lockscreen and even the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max devices. 

iCloud Shared Photo Library was announced when iOS 16 was first previewed. This feature will allow users who use iCloud family sharing to save photos and videos directly to a joint library. Up to six family members can access this photo library, and choose which of their existing photos and videos to add to it.

The much-requested battery percentage icon also returns in iOS 16.1 in a more useful avatar that actually indicates the battery level visually. It will also be visible on eligible iPhone models smaller and lower-res screens, which weren’t able to display it in iOS 16.

Matter, the emerging smart home and IoT device communication standard, will be supported starting with iOS 16.1. This could help spur the adoption of smart home accessories, creating a unified ecosystem that’s easy to manage and add to.

Clean Energy Charging might not be available in India yet, but this will allow users in countries with variable energy sources to choose to prioritise drawing power when the grid is being fed by clean, renewable sources.    

Some of the default iOS apps will also see minor tweaks. Users will be able to delete the Wallet app if they don’t want to use it. The wallpaper settings and screenshot editing UIs are also expected to be slightly improved.

The current version of iOS is 16.0.3. Apple introduced iOS 16 with the launch of the iPhone 14 series in early September, with a dramatic overhaul of the lockscreen UI, the introduction of lockscreen widgets, the ability to edit iMessages, improved search in the email app, more Siri commands, text recognition in videos, a Fitness app that works even without an Apple Watch, and multiple bug fixes. The incremental releases since then have also mainly focused on squashing bugs and improving security.

Which iPhone models support iOS 16

iOS 16.1 will be compatible with the recently launched iPhone 14 series, which includes the iPhone 14iPhone 14 PlusiPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The iPhone 13 series models are also all eligible: the iPhone 13iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max are still popular and widely available in India.

Apple’s iPhone 12iPhone 12 miniiPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max as well as the iPhone 11iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max will also receive an update to the newest version of iOS.

The oldest eligible devices are the iPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone XRiPhone XiPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. The more affordable iPhone SE (2020) and iPhone SE (2022) will also be able to run iOS 16.1. Apple dropped support for older models dating back to the iPhone 6S and even the last iPod touch model for the first time since iOS 13 was released. 

How to install iOS 16.1

Installing iOS 16.1 should be as easy as tapping a few buttons on screen. Some people might jump on the update as soon as it is available, while others might wait a few days or weeks so that unexpected bugs can be detected and ironed out.

  1. All users are advised to back up their data using iCloud or a PC/Mac as well as the online features available within several apps. The best way to protect your data is to be proactive about backups in case anything goes wrong.
  2. Make sure you have enough space for the update. Older iPhones tend to have less free storage. Those who are running short of space must delete some data or apps for the update process to work.
  3. Charge your iPhone to at least 80 percent and make sure to connect to Wi-Fi before you begin the download.
  4. You can quickly ‘Download and Install’ the iOS 16.1 update or also schedule it or get a reminder later if that’s less disruptive.
  5. Reboot, and then tap through the steps that might be displayed on screen to configure new options or update your preferences. iOS 16.1 will then be ready for use on your iPhone.

Apple launched the iPad Pro (2022) and the iPad (2022) alongside the new Apple TV this week. We discuss the company’s latest products, along with our review of the iPhone 14 Pro on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Samsung Rolls Out One UI 5 Beta 3 Seemingly Cloning iOS 16 Lock Screen

Samsung has seemingly rolled out the One UI 5 beta 3 this week. The update brings themed-icon support for third-party apps, snappier animations, and more. However, the standout feature appears to be the new customisation options for the lock screen that appears to follow the same approach as the options featured in Apple’s iOS 16. The new Lock Screen in iOS 16 was presumably one of the most talked about features of this operating system when it was released earlier this month.

According to a tweet by Vaibhav Jain (@vvaiibhav) from the TechDroider YouTube channel, Samsung has purportedly cloned iOS 16‘s Lock Screen feature with the One UI 5 beta 3 update. Long-pressing the screen takes users to the customisation interface which appears very similar to the layout offered in iOS 16.

Here, Samsung users can pick from five different clock styles, compared to the eight offered on iOS 16. There are also options to change the clock colour and font style. Similarly, while selecting wallpapers, both systems offer a ‘Collection’ of backgrounds with a similar layout.

However, Jain and other Twitter users were quick to point out that these features were already available on the Good Lock app for Samsung. They speculate that it was Apple who initially cloned the layout. Apple fans claim that Samsung only decided to offer these features natively after iOS 16 was released with the Lock Screen.

Samsung recently began the One UI 5.0 beta registrations for the Galaxy S21 series in India. Reportedly, the Galaxy S22 series had already started receiving One UI 5.0 beta updates in August. All these developments could mean that Samsung might release the official stable One UI 5.0 build in the coming days.


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Apple Has Fixed iPhone 14 Series iMessage, FaceTime Issues in Latest iOS 16 Update: All Details

Apple has revealed that iMessage and FaceTime might not work properly on the recently launched iPhone 14 series due to some bugs. The Cupertino tech giant has said that the issues have been fixed in the latest version of iOS 16, and thus recommends iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro model users to update their smartphone to the latest iOS version. According to Apple, the iPhone 14 series users might not be receiving iMessages and FaceTime calls, or see a Green bubble instead of a Blue bubble while sending a text to another Apple device.

The Cupertino-based tech giant has highlighted via a support page on its website that iMessage and FaceTime might not be working properly on the latest iPhone 14 series smartphones. According to Apple, this could be because of multiple bugs. The company has published a list of issues that the users might be facing after setting up their new smartphones.

Apple further noted that users might be facing one or more of these issues. First, iPhone 14 series users can’t receive iMessages and FaceTime calls. Second, users are seeing a Green message bubble instead of a Blue bubble while sending a message to another Apple device. Third, a single conversation might show up as two separate threads. Lastly, the person receiving the message might see a user’s message coming from a different account, according to Apple.

For example, the messages might show up as being received from a user’s email ID instead of the phone number. Apple claims that this issue has been fixed in the latest iOS 16 update. Hence, the company recommends iPhone 14 series users to immediately update to the latest available version of the operating system as soon as they are done setting up their smartphones. To update the iPhones, users should head over to Settings > General > Software Update.

The Cupertino-based company added that if iPhone 14 series users are still facing the above mentioned issue, they can go to Settings > Cellular > Select the phone number you wish to use. Make sure the phone line is turned on while following the steps. Then head over to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > Select the number you want to use. For FaceTime, go to Settings > FaceTime > Select the phone number you want to use.

On September 7, Apple launched the iPhone 14 series, comprising iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, during the ‘Far Out’ event.


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Apple Releases iOS 16.0.1 for iPhone 14 Series With Bug Fixes: Report

Apple released the iOS 16 update for the recently-launched iPhone 14 series along with a few select older iPhone models this week. Now, the Cupertino giant has reportedly released an iOS 16.0.1 update exclusively for the latest iPhone 14 series. The update is said to fix bugs that could affect the activation and migration of the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models. The company recently also unveiled iOS 16.1 beta 1 update for registered developers. The stable update could be released next month. The new iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and the top-of-the-line iPhone 14 Pro Max models will be available for purchase starting September 16.

As per a report by 9to5Mac, Apple has released the iOS 16.0.1 update for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models just days after iOS 16’s release on Monday, September 12. The report citing iOS 16.0.1 release notes suggests that the update includes fixes for issues affecting the activation and migration of the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. The update reportedly fixes issues related to photos appearing soft when zooming in landscape mode on iPhone 14 Pro Max. The new update is also said to fix bugs that prevent enterprise single sign-on apps from authenticating.

The latest update could be available to install while setting up the new iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro models.

Apple released the iOS 16.1 beta 1 for iPhone on Wednesday with some improvements to existing features. The update brings a status bar battery percentage indicator for all iPhone models and lets users delete the Apple Wallet app. The update includes support for the Matter smart home accessories and adds a Clean Energy Charging mode. It is currently available to registered users and a stable update could be released next month.

The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are scheduled to go on sale starting September 16. The iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, is scheduled to arrive on October 7.


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iOS 16 Battery Percentage Display Not Available on Some iPhone Models

Among the new features that come with an upgrade to iOS 16 on supported iPhones, is the new battery percent display that first showed up in an iOS 16 beta. The feature basically lets you glance at the battery’s charge status without the need to swipe down the Control Center on iPhones that have the TrueDepth camera and the display notch. Turns out that not all iPhone users can take advantage of this feature.

Apple’s iOS 16 operating system is available for a long list of supported iPhones (starting from the iPhone 8), but it turns out that not all of them will get all of the features. Key among these is the new battery percentage display that is located to the right of TrueDepth camera system, which is housed inside the display notch. It now indicates the battery percentage, which is convenient to glance at instead of swiping down the Control Center.

Apple has now indicated in a support document that not all iPhone models will support the battery percentage display feature. In its support document, Apple states that the new battery percentage display is not available on the iPhone XR, iPhone 11, the iPhone 12 mini, and the more recent iPhone 13 mini as well. It does not provide any information on why it’s not possible to bring the feature to these iPhone models.

While the new battery percentage display is a welcomed feature in iOS 16, the way it displays the percentage can be a bit tricky to read as the new indicator includes the percentage inside the battery icon instead of next to it, like on past models, and in the Control Center. The icon itself remains completely filled giving users the impression that battery has not drained, until the battery drops to 20 percent after which the icon turns red, remaining partially filled.

This is very different compared to how Android smartphones display battery status, which usually have the battery icon that’s filled to indicate exactly how much battery life is left along with the percentage shown next to it.


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Apple Said to Delay Release of iPadOS 16 Update by About a Month; iOS 16, watchOS 9 to Debut in September

Apple expects to delay its next major iPad software update by about a month, taking the unusual step of not releasing it at the same time as the new iPhone software, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

For the last several years, the tech giant has released major iPad and iPhone software updates, known as iPadOS and iOS, at the same time in September. This time around, Apple plans to put out iOS 16 during the usual period but not launch iPadOS 16 until October, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are private.

The delay of the software is due, at least in part, to an ambitious effort to overhaul the iPad’s multitasking capabilities. The update includes a feature called Stage Manager that lets users operate several tasks at the same time, resize windows and bounce between different clusters of apps.

During beta testing, the system has drawn criticism from some developers and users for its bugs, a confusing interface and lack of compatibility with most iPads. Staggering the release schedule will also allow Apple to put more engineering resources into completing iOS 16, the software update that will come included with the iPhone 14 in September.

The change also would bring the iPadOS 16 release closer to the launch of new iPad hardware. The company is planning an updated iPad Pro with an M2 chip, along with a faster entry-level iPad with a USB-C port, Bloomberg has reported.

An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on the plans, which could change as the Cupertino, California-based company gets closer to its fall product launch cycle.

Even before the additional delay, Apple’s software releases have been slightly behind schedule this year, with the public beta phase of the updates starting later than usual. But the company has dealt with these kinds of hitches before. Apple faced significant challenges with iOS 13 in 2019, which affected the debut of the iPhone 11, leading Apple to change the way it handles software updates.

The Mac is getting the same Stage Manager feature as part of macOS Ventura, but that version of the system has been less controversial. The Mac update is scheduled for release in October, the same month Apple typically rolls out major Mac software upgrades. And watchOS 9, the latest Apple Watch software, is still slated for September alongside the iPhone update.

The iPadOS 16 update also includes new features such as a built-in weather app, improved support for external displays and new Mac-like controls for productivity apps. The iOS 16 update, meanwhile, includes a redesigned lock screen, the ability to retract messages on iMessage and a redesigned Home app for controlling accessories.

Apple has already said that several features planned for iPadOS 16 and iOS 16 won’t arrive in their initial versions. That includes a feature called Live Activities that will let apps like Uber pin a pickup’s status on the iPhone’s lock screen. There’s also a redesigned CarPlay interface on its way, and an iPad whiteboarding app called Freeform.

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