Apple’s latest mobile software updates are available with the official version of iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4. Both updates contain important vulnerability fixes for the kernel and WebKit, so it’s best to install them on your devices as soon as possible.
According to a security document shared by Apple, an unnamed malicious application could gain elevated privileges and serve as a gateway for exploits. WebKit issues allowed remote attackers to execute harmful code on your device. Apple is investigating the matter and assures that exploits have been fixed with the new updates.
The new iOS version is available on the iPhone 6s and above as well as on the iPod touch (7 gen) while the iPadOS will be compatible with the iPad Air 2 / iPad mini 4 and above. Other new additions include the ability to scan smaller QR codes and the ability to categorize Bluetooth devices in settings, allowing headset audio level measurements to be collected from third-party devices.
From now on, Apple will be able to tell if your iPhone 12 series phone uses genuine camera components and send notifications if it finds non-genuine or recycled cameras from other iPhone 12s in your device.
Mini HomePod owners also get Ultra Wideband (UWB) support on iPhone 11 and 12 models equipped with Apple’s U1 chip. This will speed up the transfer function between the HomePod mini and the iPhone, allowing for faster music transfers and haptic feedback.
IOS 14.4 Update Change Log:
- Smaller QR codes can be recognized by the camera
- Option to classify the type of bluetooth device in the settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications.
- Notifications when your iPhone camera cannot be verified as a New Genuine Apple Camera on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- Image artifacts may appear in HDR photos taken with iPhone 12 Pro.
- The Fitness widget may not display updated activity data.
- Typing may be delayed and word suggestions may not appear on the keyboard.
- The keyboard may not appear in the correct language in Messages.
- Audio stories from the News app in CarPlay may not resume after being paused for spoken instructions or Siri.
- Turning on the accessibility switch control may prevent answering phone calls from the lock screen.
This release also fixes the following issues:
IPadOS 14.4 changelog:
- Smaller QR codes can be recognized by the camera.
- Option to classify the type of bluetooth device in the settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications.
- Typing may be delayed and word suggestions may not appear on the keyboard.
- The keyboard may not appear in the correct language in Messages.
This release also fixes the following issues:
In semi-related news, Apple announced that its App Tracking Transparency privacy measure will come with the next beta versions of iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and tvOS 14 in early spring.
This feature sends a notification to users whenever an app wants to track their location with two options: “Allow tracking” and “Ask app not to track”. You can read more about Apple’s application tracking transparency here.
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