Make Sure to Update: iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 Fix Two Major Security Vulnerabilities

iPhone and iPad owners may want to update to iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 in the near future, as the updates address two security vulnerabilities that may have been exploited to gain access to user devices.

bug security vulnerability issue fix larry
In the security support document for the updates, Apple says that it "is aware of a report" that RTKit and kernel vulnerabilities may have been exploited by bad actors.

Impact: An attacker with arbitrary kernel read and write capability may be able to bypass kernel memory protections. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited.

Apple fixed the memory corruption issue with improved validation to patch the security hole.

iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 also address an Accessibility vulnerability and an issue with Safari Private Browsing that could allow locked tabs to be briefly visible while switching tab groups.

The software updates were released this morning and are available on eligible iPhones and iPads by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17

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Top Rated Comments

zorinlynx Avatar
15 months ago

Got to say, just updated my iPhone 15 Pro Max and web pages seem to be loading faster & scrolling is insanely smooth with zero stutters even while loading the page. My device hasn’t felt this smooth in a while, I’m very pleased so far.
You don't have to be so verbose, "Safari is snappier!" is sufficient, as per tradition. ;)
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
15 months ago
If it weren’t for security fixes I wouldn’t update, there are no (new) features of interest for me. YMMV
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LoveToMacRumors Avatar
15 months ago
no thanks, staying on ios15
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coffeemilktea Avatar
15 months ago
I was updating purely for new emojis, but the increased security is a nice touch too. :p
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
midkay Avatar
15 months ago
Got to say, just updated my iPhone 15 Pro Max and web pages seem to be loading faster & scrolling is insanely smooth with zero stutters even while loading the page. My device hasn’t felt this smooth in a while, I’m very pleased so far.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antiprotest Avatar
15 months ago

Got to say, just updated my iPhone 15 Pro Max and web pages seem to be loading faster & scrolling is insanely smooth with zero stutters even while loading the page. My device hasn’t felt this smooth in a while, I’m very pleased so far.
It's just because the update made you restart the phone.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)