Apple Releases iOS 16.6 – Here’s Everything to Know

Apple has officially launched iOS 16.6, which came shortly after the public beta release of iOS 17. Although iOS 16.6 doesn’t boast numerous new features, it focuses on bug fixes and security enhancements. This update is likely geared toward preparing for the upcoming fall release of iOS 17. Notably, iOS 16.6 addresses several vulnerabilities, including some that were potentially under active exploitation, according to Apple’s statements.

According to Apple, the latest iPhone update addresses two potentially exploited issues. The first vulnerability lies in WebKit, the engine powering Safari and third-party browsers on iOS, and it could potentially result in arbitrary code execution. In simpler terms, this means a malicious third party could gain unauthorized access to your data or compromise your device for malicious purposes, as highlighted by the IT services company Okta. 

The second issue relates to an app being able to modify the kernel, which is the core code of iOS on your iPhone. This fix ensures enhanced security and protection against such unauthorized modifications.

The update also addresses various other vulnerabilities. Among them is a problem with the Find My app, where an application could potentially access your sensitive location information. Although Apple doesn’t confirm active exploitation of this particular issue, it is still advisable to download iOS 16.6 to safeguard against any potential risks and ensure the problem is resolved.

To update your iPhone to iOS 16.6, follow these steps:

• Unlock your phone and go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Check if iOS 16.6 is available for your device.
• If it’s available, tap on “Download and Install.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the update.

Once the update is completed, your iPhone will automatically restart, and you’ll have successfully upgraded to iOS 16.6.

Looking ahead, iOS 17, set for release in September, is anticipated to introduce exciting new features. Unfortunately, it will no longer support iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus, making iOS 16 the final update for those particular models. Despite this, Apple will still offer security updates for older iOS versions on compatible hardware for an extended period.