Apple Releases iOS 14.4.2, iPadOS 14.4.2, and watchOS 7.3.3 Update to Fix Actively Exploited Security Flaw

Apple also released a patch update to iOS 12, version 12.5.2, for older devices.

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By Jasmin Jose | Updated: 29 March 2021 16:25 IST
Highlights
  • Apple has detected a security vulnerability in WebKit
  • All eligible users are advised by Apple to install the security patches
  • The updates have been widely rolled out

The last major update from Apple for iPhone and iPad models was iOS 14.4 released in January this year

Apple has released iOS 14.4.2, iPadOS 14.4.2, and watchOS 7.3.3 patch updates to fix a vulnerability in its latest devices. The updates fix a security flaw in WebKit, the browser engine developed by Apple and used in its Safari Web browser, which is also mandated for use in all third party browsers on iOS. Apple said that the WebKit flaw may have been exploited. The Cupertino-based company has also released iOS 12.5.2 and iPadOS 12.5.2 to patch the WebKit security issue in older iPhone and iPad models running on iOS 12. Apple had released iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, and watchOS 7.3 feature update in January. A new major update for the latest iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch models is due later this year.

Apple has said that it has detected a bug in WebKit that could allow a malignant website to perform activate random cross-site scripting. The tech giant said that it was “aware of a report that this bug was getting exploited”. The current updates for are only a security fix and do not include any new features.

The iOS 14.4.2 update applies to iPhone 6s and later. The iPadOS 14.2.2 is for iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation). The iOS and iPadOS 12.5.2 patch is applicable for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation). The watchOS 7.3.3 fixes the security issue for Apple Watch Series 3 and later. In case you haven't received a notification on your compatible Apple devices, you can go to Settings > Software Update and tap on Install Now.

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Apple is currently in the process of beta testing iOS and iPadOS 14.5, which is expected to reach users by April. iOS 14.5 will hit the market with feature enhancements including the ability to unlock iPhone using Apple Watch when you are wearing a face mask. It will also introduce the controversial App Tracking Transparency feature, a new permissions dialogue box that apps would be required to show before sharing user information with third-parties.

The last major update from Apple for its iPhone and iPad models was iOS 14.4 released in January this year. It brings a list of new features and improvements including a feature that notifies iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max users when their camera is unable to be verified as a genuine Apple camera. The update also fixed a problem with the default keyboard that caused a delay in typing and showing word suggestions on some devices.

The WatchOS 7.3 update for Apple Watch brings the Unity watch face, which is inspired by the colours of the Pan-African Flag. The update also brings Time to Walk for Apple Fitness+ subscribers and expands the ECG app for the Apple Watch Series 4 and later to Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, and Thailand.

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REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Very good build quality
  • Dolby Vision HDR video recording
  • Excellent cameras
  • Smooth performance in everyday use
  • Light and convenient
  • Bad
  • Below-average battery life
  • Gets warm when stressed
 
KEY SPECS
Display 5.40-inch
Processor Apple A14 Bionic
Front Camera 12-megapixel
Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel
RAM 4GB
Storage 64GB
OS iOS 14
Resolution 1080x2340 pixels
NEWS
REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Very good build quality
  • Dolby Vision HDR video recording
  • Excellent cameras
  • Smooth performance in everyday use
  • Bad
  • Battery life could be better
  • Gets warm when stressed
 
KEY SPECS
Display 6.10-inch
Processor Apple A14 Bionic
Front Camera 12-megapixel
Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel
Storage 64GB
OS iOS 14
Resolution 1170x2532 pixels
NEWS
REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Solid build quality
  • Excellent display
  • Dolby Vision video recording
  • Snappy overall performance
  • All-day battery life
  • Bad
  • Heats up when gaming
  • Not differentiated much from iPhone 12
  • Not great value
 
KEY SPECS
Display 6.10-inch
Processor Apple A14 Bionic
Front Camera 12-megapixel
Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel
Storage 64GB
OS iOS 14
Resolution 1170x2532 pixels
NEWS
REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Excellent build quality
  • Immersive display
  • Very good battery life
  • Versatile cameras
  • Speedy performance
  • Bad
  • Can be uncomfortable to hold
  • Heats up when gaming
  • Very expensive
 
KEY SPECS
Display 6.70-inch
Processor Apple A14 Bionic
Front Camera 12-megapixel
Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel
Storage 128GB
OS iOS 14
Resolution 1284x2778 pixels
NEWS

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Further reading: Apple, iOS, iPadOS, iPhone, iPad, watchOS, WebKit
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