iOS 16.6 and other Apple updates bring security fixes for many vulnerabilities, including ones that have been actively exploited in the wild.
On Monday, July 24, 2023, Apple released iOS 16.6 and updates for its other software platforms, bringing security fixes for the latest threats.
Apple also released iOS 15.7.8, iPadOS 15.7.8, macOS Monterey 12.6.8 and macOS Big Sur 11.7.9 with the same security fixes for older iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Accompanying release notes state that iOS 16.6 and other updates provide “important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.”
iOS 16.6 brings important security fixes
iOS 16.6 fixes over half a dozen vulnerabilities in the system kernel, the Find My app, Apple’s Neural Engine and more. Among the fixes are patches for vulnerabilities found in the system kernel and WebKit, Safari’s layout engine.
The kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities were actively exploited, meaning hackers have used them to target victims. Apple previously fixed the WebKit vulnerability by issuing a Rapid Security Response iOS 16.5.1 (c) update on July 12, 2023.
Rapid Security Responses are updates that deliver important security fixes between software updates. Any fixes provided in a rapid security response are later included in a subsequent software update. In this case, iOS 16.6 packs the same mitigations for the WebKit flaw as the Rapid Security Response iOS 16.5.1 (c) update.
The WebKit fix is separately included in the Safari 16.6 update for macOS Big Sur and macOS Monterey. The kernel vulnerability was addressed on older devices with iOS 15.7.1, and iOS 16.6 brings the same fix to all compatible devices.
Apple’s release and security notes
Release notes:
- iOS 16.6 release notes
- iPadOS 16.6 release notes
- macOS Ventura 13.5 release notes
- tvOS 16.6 release notes
- watchOS 9.6 release notes
- iOS 15.7.8 release notes
- iPadOS 15.7.8 release notes
- macOS Monterey 12.6.8 release notes
- macOS Big Sur 11.7.9 release notes
Security fixes:
- iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 security fixes
- macOS Ventura 13.5 security fixes
- tvOS 16.6 security fixes
- watchOS 9.6 security fixes
- iOS 15.7.8 and iPadOS 15.7.8 security fixes
- macOS Monterey 12.6.8 security fixes
- macOS Big Sur 11.7.9 security fixes
- Rapid Security Response iOS 16.5.1 (c) & iPadOS 16.5.1 (c) security fixes
- Rapid Security Response macOS Ventura 13.4.1 (c) security fixes
tvOS 16.6 also adds Siri support for Hebrew in Israel.
How to install iOS 16.6 and other updates
To protect yourself against these flaws, you’re wholeheartedly recommended to install iOS 16.6 and other updates using the Software Update feature:
- iPhone and iPad: System > General > Software Update
- Mac: System Settings > General > Software Update
- Apple TV: Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software
- Apple Watch: My Watch > Settings > General > Software Update (Watch app on iPhone) or Settings > General > Software Update directly on the device.
If no updates show up, that means automatics updates are turned on for your device—congratulations, you’re already up to date and protected!
If you currently use prerelease software like the iOS 17 beta, you won’t see any updates to iOS 16 unless you downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16.