Apple’s iOS 16.2 has just been released, along with some shiny new iPhone features and 35 pretty big security updates. But the release of iOS 16.2 is also accompanied by a new version of iOS 15, iOS 15.7.2.
At first glance, this makes a lot of sense: Apple has been updating iOS 15 alongside iOS 16 with major security updates for the past few months. As I’ve written before, iOS 15 updates aren’t as detailed as iOS 16 and don’t include as many fixes.
However, in the case of iOS 15.7.2, the updated software is only available for iPhones that cannot run iOS 16. This means that if you have an iPhone 8 or higher, you will now have to upgrade to iOS 16 if you want than your device to stay safe.
let me explain
The release of iOS 16.2 is accompanied by a new version of iOS 15, iOS 15.7.2.
Apple iPhone
Apple limits the support time available for older operating systems
Every year, when Apple releases a new operating system update, as it did in the fall with iOS 16, it keeps support in place for those who are careful to update. It’s certainly fair to do so, as the new operating system has been hit with a few bugs since its launch.
So far, Apple has updated iOS 15 with major security updates namely iOS 15.7.1 and iOS 15.7.
But that support was always going to be limited, and with iOS 15.7.2 being offered only for older iPhones, that time seems to be running out.
iOS 15.7.2 and iOS 16.1.2 fix an already exploited security bug
I get it – you might be tempted to hold off on updating for a while to see if anyone else is experiencing bugs after updating to the new iOS version. But in the case of iOS 15.7.2, it’s important that you update immediately because it fixes a security bug that’s already being used in real-life attacks.
Tracked as CVE-2022-42856, the security issue in WebKit, which underpins Apple’s Safari browser, could lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple says on its support page that it is “aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released prior to iOS 15.1.”
Now here’s the really confusing part: Apple released the iOS 16.1.2 update a couple of weeks ago, fixing the same problem. However, it just updated its support page with patch details this week.
Although the flaw fixed in iOS 15.7.2 and iOS 16.1.2 was actively exploited against iOS versions prior to 15.1, there must still be a risk to other users. So, you need to apply one of these updates or cut out the middle man and jump straight to iOS 16.2 as soon as you can.
I asked Apple for comment on this story and will update my article if the company responds.
Why you need to upgrade to iOS 16
The moral of the story is that if your iPhone supports it, you should update to iOS 16 as soon as you can. “People should look at upgrading to iOS16 now,” says independent security researcher Sean Wright. “Apple has had enough time to resolve the issues, so worries about moving to a new major version of iOS should be much less.”
There are also upcoming security features that will only be available in iOS 16, such as end-to-end encryption for iCloud, he notes.
“You can only be truly protected with the latest patches by having the most up-to-date iOS,” says Jake Moore, Global Cyber Security Advisor at ESET. Putting your faith in old devices that may not be taken care of is “a risk that people shouldn’t take,” he adds.
So in this case, there is no option, at least for now, to stay on iOS 15 and stay safe, unless you have an older iPhone. For those with iPhone 8 or higher, it’s time to update to iOS 16.2, the latest version of iOS 16, to keep your iPhone secure.
To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update and download and install the latest iOS version.