That Didn’t Take Long | Apple Releases iOS/iPadOS 17.0.1 and watchOS 10.0.1 with Important Security Fixes

It hasn’t taken long for Apple to push out its first updates for iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10, all of which were released earlier this week. Apple also released macOS Ventura 13.6. All of the updates fixed security holes that were found after the operating systems’ release.

iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1

The iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1 updates for the iPhone and the iPad, both featuring build number 21A340, can be installed over the air on compatible iPhones and iPads by going to the Settings app, then choosing General > Software Update.

Apple’s release notes say the updates bring bug fixes and important security updates for all compatible devices. That’s the iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.

Apple also released iOS 16.7 and iPadOS 16.7 for the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, fifth-generation iPad, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which aren’t supported by iOS/iPadOS 17. Users of newer models can also install the 16.7 release if they’re not ready to update to iOS 17 yet.

According to Apple’s security support document, the update addresses several security vulnerabilities that may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.

The update fixes a kernel vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to elevate their privileges. Apple fixed the issue with improved checks.

The update also fixes an issue that could allow a malicious app to bypass iOS and iPadOS signature validation. This security flaw may also have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7. Apple fixed the flaw by addressing a certificate validation issue.

Also fixed in the update is a WebKit vulnerability that may lead to arbitrary code execution when processing web content. The vulnerability may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.

watchOS 10.0.1

Apple also today released watchOS 10.0.1, a minor update to the watchOS 10 operating system that was released on Monday.

Apple says watchOS 10.0.1 includes bug fixes and security updates for the Apple Watch. Apple also released watchOS 9.6.3 for Apple Watches that are incompatible with watchOS 10.0.1 or for those that have not yet installed the watchOS 10 update.

watchOS 10.0.1 can be downloaded and installed by going to the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and then selecting General > Software Update. To install the update, the Apple Watch needs to have at least a 50% battery charge and be on a charger in the range of the iPhone.

macOS Ventura 13.6

In related news, Apple also today released macOS Ventura 13.6, the sixth major update to the macOS Ventura Mac operating system.

The macOS Ventura 13.6 update can be downloaded on compatible Macs by visiting the Software Update section of System Preferences.

Apple’s release notes say macOS Ventura 13.6 brings important bug fixes and security updates. The company recommends that all users install the software on their compatible Macs.

Apple’s security support document says the update addresses several security vulnerabilities that may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.

This includes a kernel vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to elevate their privileges. Apple fixed the issue with improved checks.

The update also fixes an issue that could allow a malicious app to bypass iOS and iPadOS signature validation. The security flaw may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7. Apple fixed the flaw by addressing a certificate validation issue.

macOS Ventura 13.6 is likely to be one of the last updates to the macOS Ventura operating system before Apple’s release of macOS Sonoma, which is scheduled for September 26.