Apple Re-Releases iOS 17.6.1 and Also Releases tvOS 17.6.1 & watchOS 10.7.1
Toggle Dark Mode
Yesterday Apple released updated versions of iOS 17.6.1, iPadOS 17.6.1, tvOS 17.6.1, and watchOS 10.7.1.
iOS 17.6.1 and iPadOS 17.6.1
The freshly re-released iOS 17.6.1 and iPadOS 17.6.1 are new versions of the updates, which were originally released in early August. The new version has a build number of 21G101, up from 21G93.
The updates can be downloaded and installed on compatible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by tapping “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update” on their devices.
Apple’s release notes say the updates address an issue that could prevent the enabling or disabling of Advanced Data Protection. Apple has not specified the differences between the new version of the update and the original update.
This update includes important bug fixes and addresses an issue that prevents enabling or disabling Advanced Data Protection.
The Advanced Data Protection bug impacted a small number of users who attempted to turn Advanced Data Protection on and instead saw an error message and Advanced Data Protection not activate. Users who had the issue saw it disabled in the interface, although it was still active for iCloud data.
Those who have experienced the bug will see a notification prompting them to confirm the decision to turn off the feature after installing iOS 17.6.1.
Released in iOS 16.2, Advanced Data Protection allows users to enable end-to-end encryption for nearly everything in their iCloud account, including photos, notes, iCloud Backups, and more. The feature is optional, so it isn’t being used unless it has been manually enabled. Once the feature is enabled, even Apple won’t be able to access most of a user’s data stored on its iCloud servers. The data is encrypted with a key that only the user (and their devices) have.
Apple has no way of recovering the data since it doesn’t know the key, which is why Account Recovery is in place to allow users a way back in if they forget their device passcode or Apple ID password or lose one of their security keys.
tvOS 17.6.1
Apple also released tvOS 17.6.1, which is a minor update to the latest Apple TV operating system, which was released last fall.
Apple TV users can download and install the ?tvOS 17.6.1 update via the Settings app by clicking on “System” -> “Software Update.” If you have automatic software updates enabled on your Apple TV, it will be automatically upgraded to ??tvOS 17.6.
Apple has not announced what the tvOS update includes, although they are typically minor in scale compared to other operating system updates, focusing primarily on bug fixes and smaller improvements.
watchOS 10.7.1
Also on Monday, Apple released its watchOS 10.6.1 to the public, which is a minor update to the watchOS 10 operating system that was released in September 2023.
Apple says the watchOS 10.6.1 update fixes an issue that could prevent users from accessing the Apple Fitness+ service.
watchOS 10.6.1 is a free download through the Watch app on the iPhone by going to “General” -> “Software Update.” The Apple Watch requires at least a 50% battery charge, should be on a charger, and needs to be in the range of the ??iPhone??.
Apple will soon cease updates of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, tvOS 17, and watchOS 10; as iOS 18, iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, and watchOS 11 will be officially released to the public in September.
