Apple rolls out iOS 18.6 update with critical security patches to iPhones

Apple on Friday (August 1) rolled out a major iOS 18.6 update to all eligible iPhones worldwide.

The new update (1.07GB) brings important bug fixes, including an issue in Photos that could prevent memory movies from being shared.

The new iOS 18.6 also plugs several security loopholes in the iPhone. It addresses the issue in the Safari browser, which gets crashed after the user goes to maliciously crafted websites online.

It also fixes the VoiceOver accessibility feature, which used to accidentally read aloud the passcode of the device.

It also fixes 'Privacy Indicators' for microphone or camera access, which sometimes do not get correctly displayed on the iPhone.

The new update also resolves the security issue, where in while processing a file or maliciously crafted web content can lead to memory corruption in the iPhone.

Reports had come that iPhone, when processing a maliciously crafted media file or visiting a malicious website, leads to unexpected app termination or corrupt process memory. This has been rectified as well.

Apple iOS 18.6 update.

Apple has thanked several indepent cyber security experts including Dennis Kniep, Abhay Kailasia (@abhay_kailasia) from C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram India, Hamza BHP, Himanshu Bharti (@Xpl0itme), Noah Weinberg, Al Karak, Timo Hetzel, Ameen Basha M K, Zero and Bill Marczak of The Citizen Lab at The University of Toronto’s Munk School for their support in detecting the security issue.

The company also thanked Sergei Glazunov and Ivan Fratric of the Google Project. Also, LIdong LI, Xiao Wang, Shao Dong Chen, and Chao Tan of Source Guard for detecting issues in Bluetooth.

Apple has even thanked Google V8 Security Team, which consists of Yuhao Hu, Yan Kang, Chenggang Wu, and Xiaojie Wei, rheza (@ginggilBesel), for their assistance in detecting bugs and security issues in iPhone's WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari and other web browsers on iPhones and iPads.

The same issues have been found in the iPad, and Apple has rolled out the iPadOS 18.6 update.

List of iPhone models eligible for iOS 18.6 update:

iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, 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 SE (2nd generation or newer version).

List of iPad variants eligible for iPadOS 18.6 update:

iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and newer versions), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and newer models), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd gen and newer variant), iPad (7th gen and later), and the iPad mini (5th gen and newer versions).

Here's how to install iOS/iPadOS 18.6 on iPhones and iPads:

Via OTA (Over-The-Air)

Prerequisite: Users who want to install the update directly onto the device through OTA, make sure there is enough storage space and the device has more than 50 per cent battery life, before initiating the download of the new iOS/iPadOS update.

Step 1: Settings >> General >> Software update

Via manual installation through Apple iTunes

Prerequisite: Make sure to back up your iPhone/iPad with either iCloud or via iTunes before initiating the download procedure. Also, your PC must have the latest version of the iTunes app. If not, go to About and then check for Updates or visit iTunes.com.

Step 1: Launch iTunes on your Mac or PC.

Step 2: Insert your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it isn't already.

Step 3: Tap on the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in the top left navigation.

Step 4: Tap on the Check for Update button in the first section that contains information about your device, and alternatively, you can click Restore instead if you'd like to do a clean wipe with updated software.

Step 5: An update should be recognised, click on Download and Update in the pop-up menu and agree to the terms or conditions.

Step 6: Unlock your device with your passcode if prompted to continue with the upgrade.

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