Check your iPhone settings now - urgent free upgrade has been released by Apple

23 January 2024 , 06:56

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iPhone 12 (Image: APPLE)

If you have an iPhone in your pocket then you'd be wise to head straight to the settings menu and download the latest version of iOS. Apple has just pushed out a major update to its famous smartphone operating system that not only adds some free new features but also fixes over 10 worrying security issues.

In fact, one of the bugs affecting Apple's WebKit software is so bad it's been given the dreaded 'zero-day' rating - that means cyber crooks already know about it and are actively exploiting it in the wild.

That's why it's vital you check your phone and install any updates you see in the settings.

Explaining more about the WebKit issues and confirming their seriousness, Apple said the bug could allow the "processing maliciously crafted web content that may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited."

To make sure sure your iPhone is up to date simply head to the Settings menu, then tap General and Software Update . Here you should see any iOS updates available including the very latest upgrade called iOS 17.3.

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The security fixes aren't the only changes in this release with Apple also adding some new features including Stolen Device Protection.

This increases the security of your iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions - that should make it a lot harder for anyone to access the device if it's been pinched from your bag or pocket.

Another update to the safety of the device is Security Delay. This requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour’s wait, and an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations like changing device passcode or Apple ID password can be performed.

Other updates in iOIS 17.3 include New Unity wallpaper which honours Black history and culture.

Music gets some changes including emoji reactions to songs and collaborative playlists which allow you to invite friends to join your playlist with everyone then able to add, reorder and remove songs.

Finally, there's AirPlay hotel support which now lets you stream content directly to the TV in your room in selected hotels.

Dave Snelling