Update your iPhone NOW: Apple releases iOS 18.1.1 with ‘important security fixes’ – here’s how to install it on your device

Science
By William

iPhone users are urged to update their smartphones immediately.

Apple has released its latest iOS 18.1.1 update, which includes “important security fixes.”

In a message on its security website, the tech giant said the update fixes two vulnerabilities that have already been “actively exploited” by hackers.

According to security experts, these bugs can be used to remotely compromise a user’s device and even access their online accounts.

While the security weaknesses have only been exploited on the Mac so far, waiting too long could leave your iPhone vulnerable to hacking.

Michael Covington, VP of strategy at cybersecurity firm Jamf, said: “Apple’s solutions introduce stronger controls to detect and prevent malicious activity, and improve the way devices manage and track data while browsing the web.

“Since attackers can potentially exploit both vulnerabilities, it is critical that users and mobile-first organizations apply the latest patches as soon as they are able to do so.”

Here’s how to keep your iPhone up to date with the latest security patch.

iPhone users have been warned to update their phones as soon as possible as Apple releases iOS 18.1.1 update (stock image)

Apple released the latest wave of updates to iOS and iPadOS last night.

This patch doesn’t bring any new content, but it does address two serious security issues identified by Google’s Threat Analysis Group.

The first is a bug in ‘JavaScriptCore’, a framework used by the iPhone to run apps in web browsers.

Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, told MailOnline: ‘The first issue fixed in iOS 18.1.1 is a flaw that could result in remote device takeover if the user unknowingly interacts with maliciously crafted web content.

“The JavaScriptCore vulnerability allows attackers to remotely write code on victims’ devices, meaning they can redirect users to malicious websites that look real – or even gain access to your online accounts by stealing so-called session tokens.”

The second is a flaw in the Webkit engine that’s used as the basis for apps like Safari, Mail, and the App Store.

Moore says: ‘If exploited, it could expose users to a type of attack where an attacker could insert malicious code into a trusted website or application.’

Worryingly, because of the way Apple forces all browsers on its devices to use the same Webkit, this vulnerability could affect all browsers in the tech giant’s ecosystem, not just Safari.

The update (pictured) provides 'important security fixes' for two issues that Apple says have already been exploited by hackers

The update (pictured) brings “important security fixes” to two issues that Apple says have already been exploited by hackers

How to update your iPhone to iOS 18.1.1

To download the update on your iPhone, simply go to your iPhone Settings and scroll down to General.

Tap Software Update and you’ll see the option to Install iOS 18.1.1 now.

The download only takes a few minutes to install.

You can also select “Update Tonight” to install the update when your phone charges overnight.

You can also select ‘Automatic updates’ and turn on the switches so you always have the latest software as quickly as possible.

However, Apple is keeping tight-lipped about what exactly changes in the patch, to avoid giving anything away as people download the update.

In a statement, Apple said: “Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.”

This means that hackers have already exploited these weaknesses in the wild to break into some Mac devices – making it extremely important that you update your devices as soon as possible.

Apple’s iOS 18.1.1 is available for the Phone 7th generation and later and iPad mini 5th generation and later.

To update your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and navigate to the “General” tab.

From there, tap ‘Software Update’ and wait a few seconds while your phone checks for new updates.

If iOS 18.1.1 is available, it should show on the screen, where you can tap “Install Now” to get started.

If the option says “Download and Install” instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now.

Experts say these security flaws allow attackers to remotely write code on victims' devices, meaning they can redirect users to malicious websites that look real or gain access to their accounts (stock image)

Experts say these security flaws allow attackers to remotely write code on victims’ devices, meaning they can redirect users to malicious websites that look real or gain access to their accounts (stock image)

Alternatively, you can also set future updates to be installed automatically by going to Settings, General, Software Updates and selecting the ‘Automatic Updates’ tab.

Simply set iOS Updates to install and download automatically so you always have the latest software.

On Mac, select the Apple menu in the corner of the screen and choose “System Settings.”

Click the “General” tab in the sidebar of the opened window, then select “Software Update” on the right.

If new software is available, you can select ‘Update’ or ‘Upgrade’ and enter your administrator password to start the installation.

Your computer may restart a few times during this process, so don’t be alarmed if the screen goes blank at any point.

iOS 18.1 brought some of the first of Apple’s long-awaited Apple Intelligence features to the iPhone.

These include intelligent writing tools that let you proofread, rewrite and summarize text anywhere you can write words, such as Mail, Notes, Messages and other apps.

Apple also released an update for MacOS Sequoia 15.1.1, which suffers from the same security issues. To update, open Settings, General, Software Update and choose 'Update Now'

Apple also released an update for MacOS Sequoia 15.1.1, which suffers from the same security issues. To update, open Settings, General, Software Update and choose ‘Update Now’

However, the update has also been plagued with issues, such as Apple fans reporting poor battery life after downloading the software.

In another bizarre bug, some iPhone users also say that their devices display old adult content at unwanted times when they hold their phone in a certain way.

This is despite their best efforts to clear their browser history, tabs and cookies, even after ensuring that risqué content is only viewed in ‘incognito mode’.

Although the glitch has been reported in previous software versions, its resurgence could be related to issues with the iOS 18.1 update.

What Apple Intelligence features are available in iOS 18.1.1?

iOS 18.1.1 includes some of the first Apple Intelligence features coming to iPhone for US users.

iPhone users in the EU will have to wait a little longer, as these settings won’t be available until next year at the earliest.

These include intelligent writing tools that let you proofread, rewrite, and summarize text anywhere you can write words, like Mail, Notes, Messages, and other apps.

The proofreading feature suggests better words to use and corrects grammatical errors.

With rewriting options you can make your text sound friendlier, more concise or more professional.

And by summarizing, Apple Intelligence can read your text and create a short summary of the most important points.

The Photos app also gets a new Cleanup feature that lets you quickly remove any unwanted object from a photo.

For example, if someone enters the background of your selfie, you can remove the photobomb by tapping on it.

The update says goodbye to mindless searching in the Photos app by letting users enter keywords to find specific images, such as “Mom in front of the Eiffel Tower.”

You can also create a custom memory movie in Photos with Apple Intelligence.

To do that, you just have to enter a description and the AI ​​will find the best matching photos and videos and then arrange them into a movie with its own storyline.

The launch version of Apple Intelligence will also come with productivity features. The AI ​​can summarize notifications from multiple apps, including Messages, Mail, and more. It also prioritizes notifications that require your immediate attention.

With the new Focus Interruption Reduction feature, your iPhone can intelligently notify you of important notifications and mute unimportant notifications.

And the Mail app gets a priority messaging feature that sorts important emails at the top of your inbox.

Siri is getting a whole host of upgrades. In addition to the flashy new interface, the digital assistant will come equipped with a new level of intelligence and capabilities to help it complete tasks for you.

The bot has new product knowledge that allows it to answer questions about your device’s features and settings. You can even ask for help while you’re learning to do something new on your iPhone, and Siri will give you instructions.

It will also be easier to interact with Siri thanks to a more natural voice and the ability to type requests to the bot instead of relying solely on voice activation.

Siri can also remember requests you’ve made in the past and use them to respond to new requests.

These are just a handful of the full suite of Apple Intelligence features that will eventually come to iPhones.

Most of the features that have made headlines since Apple first announced the AI ​​in June are still months in the making – and some are scheduled for 2025.

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