Security exploits for iPhone and Macs fixed, but you need these updates first

Don't be vulnerable.
 By 
Alex Perry
 on 
Apple logo on back of iPhone 7
Plug your devices in and update them. Credit: James Sheppard/Future Publishing via Getty Images

It's time to plug in your iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch and go do something else for a little while.

That's because there's a new system update out for each of those devices that fixes two known and "actively exploited" security flaws, according to Apple's security update website. If you can, you'll want to download the following updates:

  • iOS 16.5.1

  • iPadOS 16.5.1

  • macOS 13.4.1

  • watchOS 9.5.2

The precise technical details of the known exploits can be found on the security update site, if you're curious. One of them allows apps to "execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges" while the other has to do with "maliciously crafted web content." The kernel one was being used against devices running versions older than iOS 15.7, so it's likely you haven't had to deal with it if you're already on iOS 16.


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This stuff is never fun, but knowing is better than not knowing. Get to updating, folks.

Topics Apple

journalist alex perry looking at a smartphone
Alex Perry
Tech Reporter

Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.

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