Update Your iGear! Apple Fixes Dozens of Security Holes with iOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, and More

Apple has rolled out maintenance updates across its entire product lineup, delivering not just the typical performance improvements but also fixes for dozens of security vulnerabilities recently uncovered by researchers.

Whether you own an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision, or Apple Watch, there’s an update available for you to download and install this week.

And considering the sheer number of security fixes included with each update, we recommend making them a priority.

Security fixes across the board

iOS 18.1 addresses nearly three dozen vulnerabilities across areas like Accessibility, App Support, CoreMedia Playback, ImageIO, iTunes, Safari, Siri, and even the iOS Kernel itself.

The update is available for all iPhones from the XS onwards and most iPads in circulation today, starting with the third generation and newer models.
Apple has also released iOS 17.7.1 for customers who haven’t yet upgraded to iOS 18. While this update addresses fewer security issues, it still covers over a dozen.

macOS Sequoia 15.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, and macOS Ventura 13.7.1 address similar issues in components like CoreText, Contacts, Find My, Game Controllers, Installer, ImageIO, Maps, Messages, Notification Center, Photos, Quick Look, Siri, and down to the macOS Kernel.

Finally, the Cupertino tech giant offers watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1, and visionOS 2.1 to address similar bugs in the devices they power.

For Mac users who prefer to quickly patch their web browser and postpone the larger updates, Safari 18.1 is also available as a standalone download, addressing security flaws in Downloads and Private Browsing, as well as in the browser’s WebKit engine.

Keep your iGear updated

As always, Bitdefender recommends that users prioritize software updates – especially when these updates include fixes for vulnerabilities that attackers might try to exploit.

Spyware is one the most dangerous types of malware affecting unptached iOS devices, used to pilfer sensitive data, listen to conversations, take video recordings, and more – all without any input or knowledge from the victim.

Over the past few years, Apple has been waging a war against spyware makers, aggressively closing their attack avenues with timely security patches and government-issued restrictions.

For peace of mind, consider deploying a dedicated security solution on all your personal devices.