Today, Apple released a new update specifically for all four models of the new iPhone 16 lineup including the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The update was spotted by Forbes and appears to only be necessary for iPhone 16 models. Older iPhones do not require the update.
The update is so small that it doesn't even have a new release number in iOS 18. In the notes, Apple says, “This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.”
However, they don't specify what the security updates are specifically fixing. That said, with iPhone 16 devices just getting into people's hands, the company is known to hold back on releasing information like that until the updates are widely installed. If Apple were to describe the issues before they got fixed, it could leave iPhone owners vulnerable.
If you have an iPhone 16, be sure to update as soon as possible. Beyond that, last week, Apple released a new update for every iPhone that can run iOS 18 which fixes 33 security vulnerabilities. Many of them also affect core components of the best iPhones from Bluetooth to Control Center; if exploited, they could be used to gain unauthorized access to the data stored on your iPhone or even to completely take over vulnerable devices.
Two of the flaws directly affected connectivity. As for Bluetooth, another flaw (tracked as CVE-2024-44124) could be exploited to allow a malicious Bluetooth input device — like one of the best wireless keyboards — to bypass pairing requirements.
If you’re using one of the best iPhone VPN services, a kernel flaw (tracked as CVE-2024-44165) could lead to network traffic leaking outside of a VPN tunnel which defeats the point of using a VPN in the first place to protect your online privacy.
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Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.
