Update your iPhone NOW: Apple releases urgent new iOS 17 to fix bugs plaguing smartphones – and could address battery issues

Apple is wrapping up the year with a new iOS update that the tech giant recommends to all users.

iOS 17.2.1 is now available for download on iPhone and includes “important bug fixes,” according to the release note.

In Japan, the update says it fixes battery drain issues, which has plagued users since the previous iOS release earlier this month.

But the English notes don't mention the problem.

“Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to keep your Apple product secure,” the company said.

Apple released iOS 17.2.1 on Tuesday to address issues in the previous update, iOS 17.2, which arrived with the Journal app earlier this month.

iOS 17.2.1 is now available for iPhone Newer, iPad mini 5th generation and later.

To install it on your device, open the Settings app, then General & Software Update.

If your device is compatible, you'll see iOS 17.2.1 listed.

You can either download it immediately or overnight, although you'll need to make sure your iPhone is charging for this to happen.

The Japanese release notes mention that it fixes battery drain issues – the English notes don't mention the issue

While the English notes don't mention battery issues, users shared on social media that they noticed “significant battery drain after updating to iOS 17.2.”

While the English notes don't mention battery issues, users shared on social media that they noticed “significant battery drain after updating to iOS 17.2.”

About two days after the software update was released, reports of battery issues emerged.

Many frustrated users moved to X To discuss the issue, with one claiming that they now have to charge fees on their money Using your iPhone several times throughout the day.

“iOS 17.2 is killing my battery, I swear,” one user tweeted.

“iOS 17.2 drains the battery so much man,” another added.

“I updated to iOS 17.2 and my battery drained really fast,” one vented. I only use it for 10 minutes to change my contact picture, and it drains from 99 to 91 very quickly.'

It is not yet clear whether iOS 17.2.1 will address the issue.

The Journal app, which was discovered after the iOS 17.2 drop, prompted users to write about their lives to “reflect and practice gratitude,” according to Apple.

However, technology experts point out that the app's default settings make your phone discoverable by nearby devices, and not just when you're using it.

Furthermore, the app deploys machine learning on each user's device.

The Journal app exploits users' photos, exercise data, recent music listening history, and even location data to craft so-called journal entries that are often completed before the phone owner even enters a single word.

These capabilities have raised privacy concerns and concerns about data that may be shared without people knowing.

Ruby Media Group CEO Christine Roby shared her doubts about the X: “I can't believe no one thinks this Apple Journal is a big deal.” Forget ChatGPT. This is machine learning on the device. Of your life. Hello, wake up.

The technology expert also reflected on how AI-generated prompts will change the nature of journaling and self-reflection by introducing machine learning between a person's brain and their pen.

“The AI ​​will prompt you for what you type based on a review of your digital history on your device,” Robbie wrote.

“The sacred bond between pen, paper and your mind no longer exists when there is another entity involved.” This forever changes the concept of self-reflection when AI prompts you what you should be thinking.

She also highlighted the similarity between Journal Suggestions and Google's secret “Elman Project.”