Oliver Haslam on September 11, 2023, 6:31 pm

Apple Releases iOS 15.7.9 And iPadOS 15.7.9 With Critical Security Fix

Apple has today released both iOS 15.7.9 and iPadOS 15.7.9 and you should absolutely consider installing these updates now — here’s why.

Apple’s new iOS 15.7.9 and iPadOS 15.7.9 are both available as free downloads on iPhones and iPads that don’t support the iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 updates or newer.

Those devices include the iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), and iPod touch (7th generation) and this update is designed to deal with a security flaw affecting those devices running older versions iOS and iPadOS.

Apple says that the new updates are designed to fix a buffer overflow issue by improving memory handling on the device. The flaw meant that “processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution.” What’s more, Apple says that it is aware of reports that the issue may have been actively exploited in the wild — meaning that the issue has been used to make iPhones and iPads do things they shouldn’t.

For that reason, we would suggest that people install these updates as soon as possible, although it’s unlikely that they would come across such a maliciously crafted image.

This new update comes as Apple gets ready to share details on when iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will be released. Both have been through months-long beta programs and are likely to be released to the public within he next week or two.