Apple has released a new software update for iPhones, iPads and Macs just days after the company launched macOS 10.15 and iOS/iPadOS 14.7.
The updates don’t add any new features, but the iPhone update fixes one bug. From Apple’s release notes:
iOS 14.7.1 fixes an issue where iPhone models with Touch ID cannot unlock a paired Apple Watch using the Unlock with iPhone feature. This update also provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.
As for macOS, there are no listed changes other than security updates. And Apple lists the same security update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Here are the details from Apple’s support hub:
IOMobileFrameBuffer
Available for: iPhone 6s and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation)
Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed through improved memory handling.
CVE-2021-30807: An anonymous researcher
Last week, Apple released software updates for all of its platforms, including iOS 14.7, iPadOS 14.7, and macOS 10.15. iOS 14.7 added support for the new MagSafe Battery Pack accessory, introduced a new multi-user Apple Card Family feature, and made several minor tweaks throughout the operating system, among other things. macOS 10.15 was a minor update that came a few days later; it just added a new way to sort shows in the Podcasts app and fixed some bugs.
Apple’s software releases usually follow a common pattern. Top numbers like “iOS 13” or “iOS 13” are annual releases that introduce some major new features or changes. Then, every update with one decimal place (such as iOS 14.7) adds at least one new feature and a handful of bug fixes. If you see a different number after a different decimal point, as in this case with iOS 14.7.1, you’re usually looking at an update that addresses one or two bugs or security vulnerabilities but doesn’t add any new features.
Today’s follow-up software updates are now available for all supported devices.