Apple Releases iOS, macOS Updates to Mitigate Spectre Chip Vulnerabilities

Last week, Alphabet's Google and other security researchers disclosed two major chip flaws, one called Meltdown affecting only Intel chips and one called Spectre, which left computing devices vulnerable to hackers.

Getting back to the updates, iOS 11.2.2 is available for the iPhone 5s and later models, iPad Air and later models, as well as the iPod touch 6th generation. It includes security improvements to Safari and WebKit to mitigate the effects of Spectre. To download the latest version, you need to go to Settings > General > Software Update and then follow on-screen instructions. It is advisable to use a Wi-Fi connection to download the over-the-air update. Also, you should back up your data, and ensure that your device has over 50 percent of charge or connected to a power source before beginning the update process.

As for macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 Supplemental Update, it includes security improvements to Safari and WebKit to mitigate the effects of Spectre. Installing the update will also update Safari to v11.0.2. This version of Safari is also available for OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 and macOS Sierra 10.12.6. To install macOS High Siera 10.13.2 Supplemental Update, visit the Mac App Store. Users are recommended to back up their machines before beginning the update process. Users just need to follow onscreen instructions to install the macOS update.

The iPhone maker had said on Thursday it will release a patch for the Safari Web browser on its iPhones, iPads and Macs. Apple had also said that there were no known instances of hackers taking advantage of the flaw.

Written with inputs from Reuters