Apple has released iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1 with important security fixes for devices still running on iOS 16 and older iPhone/ iPad models not compatible with iOS 17.
The tech company also seeded the third beta updates of iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1, tvOs 17.1, HomePod 17.1, and AirPods Pro (6A303) which are expected to be released later this month.
iOS 16.7.1 fixes security vulnerabilities actively exploited
The release notes of iOS 16.7.1 are succulent, “This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.”
But the iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1 security content page lists that the update patches two security flaws that were actively exploited. These are the same security updates that were introduced in iOS 17.0.3 released last week.
Therefore, users are advised to update their devices to the latest iOS 16 version as soon as possible.
Kernel
Impact: A local attacker may be able to elevate their privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.6.
Description: The issue was addressed with improved checks. CVE-2023-42824
WebRTC
Impact: A buffer overflow may result in arbitrary code execution
Description: The issue was addressed by updating to libvpx 1.13.1. WebKit Bugzilla: 262365. CVE-2023-5217
How to install iOS 16.7.1 update?
As iOS 17.0.3 is the latest iOS version, Apple has stopped signing iOS 16 and iOS 17, therefore downgrades from iOS 17.0.2 are not possible. Thus, you can install iOS 16.7.1 in the following scenarios:
- If you have not installed iOS 17 on your device yet, only then you will see the iOS 16.7.1 update.
- If you are on iOS 16.7, then open Settings app > General > Software update > Install iOS 16.7.1.
Devices compatible with iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1
- iPhone 8 and later
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air 3rd generation and later
- iPad 5th generation and later
- iPad mini 5th generation and later
Read More:
