Apple has recently released new firmware updates for its iPhones, iPads and MacBook products. Specifically, these consist of iOS and iPadOS version 15.3.1, watchOS 8.4.2, as well as macOS Monterey 12.2.1, which are currently available for download via the Settings app on all compatible devices.
All three firmware updates address a major security flaw involving the WebKit exploit that the company has been continuously patching since its first discovery in March of last year. According to Apple’s support page, these latest patches fixes the framework’s “use after free” vulnerability which lets attackers run arbitrary code on your device after it frees up memory after use. The company noted that there was at least one report involving the exploit before it released the latest updates.
Additionally,the macOS Monterey 12.2.1 patch also addresses the Bluetooth battery drain issue plaguing Intel-based MacBooks. Specifically, this particular problem has caused the affected devices to drain a significant amount of battery power when connected to a Bluetooth peripheral during sleep mode. It is also worth noting that some M1-based MacBook users have also reported experiencing the same issue, but it is not known whether this update would fix the Apple silicon-equipped laptops as well.
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Lastly, besides the WebKit exploit patch, the version 15.3.1 update for both iPhones and iPads also includes a fix for the built-in Braille display feature. Prior to this, it is reported that the accessibility function would stop responding when in use, though it is not specified what may have caused the issue to occur.
