Apple releases iOS 15.2.1 and iPadOS 15.2.1 with fixes for CarPlay, HomeKit vulnerability, and more

It’s been almost a month exactly since Apple launched iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2 to the public. And now the company is back with another software update. However, this one’s not as big as the last, focusing rather on a minor uptick to the version number.

Apple on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, released iOS 15.2.1 and iPadOS 15.2.1 to the public. As the number scheme suggests, this is a minor update in the grand scheme of things. This one isn’t adding a whole slate of new features to the mix, with Apple focusing more on smoothing out the details and patching up any behind-the-scenes issues.

The update is free. To get the new software downloaded and installed, users simply need to open the Settings app –> General –> Software Update and follow the onscreen instructions. If you have Automatic Updates switched on, then your handset will handle the update process automatically and overnight, while your iPhone is charging.

As far as what’s new, Apple did include some fixes for CarPlay, where some third-party apps may not have been responding to input. The software update also includes a patch for an issue where Messages may not load photos sent via an iCloud link.

Apple also patched a HomeKit vulnerability that was initially discovered by security researcher Trevor Spiniolas:

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: Processing a maliciously crafted HomeKit accessory name may cause a denial of service

Description: A resource exhaustion issue was addressed with improved input validation.

CVE-2022-22588: Trevor Spiniolas (@TrevorSpiniolas)

Apple’s iOS 15.2.1 update is available now.