Apple iOS 14.4.2 Release: Should You Upgrade? - Forbes

ios.indah.link

Apple iOS 14.4.2 has been released and, like its predecessor, it addresses an urgent security risk to iPhones and iPads. Furthermore, Apple recognises this threat may already be “actively exploited” in the wild and a further update to patch the same flaw on older devices (iOS 12.5.2) has been released alongside it. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Tip: bookmark this page because I will keep it up to date if/when new problems are found. I will deliver my final verdict in a week. 

Apple iOS 14

Apple

MORE FROM FORBESApple Confirms iPhone 12 Range Can Interfere With PacemakersBy Gordon Kelly

Who Is It For?

Apple iOS 14.4.2 has been released for all iOS 13-compatible devices. This means the iPhone 6S and newer and 7th generation iPod touch. iOS 12.5.2 is also available with the same fix for Phone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3 and iPod touch (6th generation). 

If you don’t receive an automatic update notification, the update can be triggered manually by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Beta testers, if you are running a later version of iOS 14 when you read this (see ‘The Road Ahead’ section at the end), you must unenroll your iPhone before iOS 14.4.2 will show up.

iPad owners, Apple has moved you to iPadOS. This is not an iPadOS-focused guide, but I will touch upon pertinent issues in these guides. 

MORE FOR YOU

The Deal Breakers

Jailbreakers, upgrading to iOS 14.4.2 will break your jailbreak. This is because popular jailbreaking team Unc0ver cannot currently jailbreak beyond iOS 14.3, while checkra1n has an iOS 14 jailbreak (not iOS 14.4.2) but it is limited to Apple devices running A9(X) chipsets and older. 

Beyond this, like the previous two releases, problems again look to be very thin on the ground. I’ve seen individual reports of broken screenshotting, iMessage being disabled and CarPlay not connecting but nothing else. This is remarkable given some of the ongoing graphical issues, messaging and battery life complaints reported in earlier iOS 14 versions. Apple appears to have nailed this one. 

So What Do You Get?

Just like iOS 14.4.1, the release notes for iOS 14.4.2 are a single identical sentence: “This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.” Navigate to Apple’s official security page, however, and there is more information: 

• Available for: iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation)
• Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to universal cross site scripting. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
• Description: This issue was addressed by improved management of object lifetimes.
• Discovered by Clement Lecigne of Google Threat Analysis Group and Billy Leonard of Google Threat Analysis Group

While Apple does not detail the security flaw (for fear of tipping off hackers before most devices are updated), the crucial line here is that the company is aware that “this issue may have been actively exploited”. This means it has the potential to be a clear and present danger. The fact Apple has launched iOS 14.4.2 (along with iOS 12.5.2) out of the blue, only emphasises the seriousness with which the company is treating this. 

Apple iOS 14.4.2 Verdict: Upgrade

As with its predecessor, Apple iOS 14.4.2 is a single-issue release but that issue is obviously significant. I know cautious upgraders will want to wait for my final verdict, but early reports do indicate that this is another stable release and I would advise all iPhone and iPad owners to patch their devices as soon as possible. 

For those who decide to wait, I keep this guide updated and offer my final verdict in a week. 

The Road Ahead 

Apple iOS 14.5 has now had five beta releases and is likely to be released next month. This is a feature-packed release which brings iPhone unlocking via your Apple Watch (great for mask wearers), smart Siri support for your preferred music apps, ‘App Tracking Transparency’, PS5 and Xbox controller support, crowdsourced alerts in Apple Maps (think Waze) and more. It’s an exciting release and I hope Apple can maintain its excellent bug-free recent record with this feature-heavy upgrade. 

___

Follow Gordon on Facebook

More On Forbes

Apple Quietly Confirms Fix For iPhone 12 Green Tint Display Problems

Apple Designing New Clamshell Folding iPhone, Claims Leaker

The Link Lonk


March 28, 2021 at 05:37AM
https://ift.tt/3svWgZh

Apple iOS 14.4.2 Release: Should You Upgrade? - Forbes

https://ift.tt/2ZaIe2Q
iOS