Why Upgrading to iOS 17.1.2 is Essential for Your iPhone

Apple released iOS 17.1.2 on Nov. 30, patching two zero-day security issues that may have been actively exploited. The update does not come with any new features but aims to address the security vulnerabilities. Apple recommends all iOS users to install this update immediately. To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the onscreen prompts.

The two issues addressed in the update relate to WebKit, Apple’s in-house-developed internet browser engine used in Safari. One of the issues could enable arbitrary code execution, allowing a third party to steal data or hack into the device for malicious purposes. The second issue could potentially expose sensitive information after processing certain web content. The vulnerabilities were reported by Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group, which focuses on protecting users from government-sponsored hacking and disinformation.

Apple has not provided further details about the vulnerabilities found by Google’s researcher. For more information on iOS updates, you can check out what may be included in iOS 17.2, what was in iOS 17.1, and refer to the iOS 17 cheat sheet.