Apple Updates to Patch Security Flaws for iOS and OS X
Apple’s latest mobile and desktop operating systems, iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan, launched in the second half of September. As of October 22nd, Apple has released updates for both operating systems to patch notable security flaws. The updates, iOS 9.1 and OS X 10.11.1, are essential for users who have updated their Apple devices to the latest operating systems.
According to a report on the updates from eWeek, Apple decided to release quick patches for their latest operating systems after third-party sources—including Google’s Project Zero and Yahoo’s Pentest team—identified and disclosed security vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities ranged from memory corruption issues to arbitrary code execution problems. Updating to the latest versions of iOS and OS X will help you to avoid security vulnerabilities that could be used by hackers to compromise your device or machine.
Other Fixes and Changes
While most tech blogs have reported about the iOS 9.1 and OS X 10.11.1 updates with a focus on the security fixes, the new downloads also come with a variety of other fixes as well. According to Apple, the updates also rectify app bugs, program compatibility issues, and overall operating system stability. Read below for a more specific rundown of the non-security related fixes for each operating system.
iOS 9
Many of the newer iOS 9 functions, introduced with the brand new iPhone 6S, weren’t exactly perfect upon launch. For instance, the Live Photos function would record upward or downward movements of the iPhone. The 9.1 update makes the feature smarter by sensing the raise/lower motions and without recording them in Live Photos.
Also, the iOS 9.1 update adds new emojis, improves multitasking performance, repairs a common freezing bug in the Calendar app, fixes an activation error that affected several mobile carriers, and more. For a full list of the iOS 9.1 fixes, click here.
The OS X El Capitan Update
Like iOS 9, OS X El Capitan had some functional bugs in its first incarnation that Apple needed to work out. Issues with the installer, Microsoft Office 2016 compatibility, the Mail app, Audio Unit plug-ins, VoiceOver, and Preview were commonly reported in the first few weeks of the operating system’s availability. Those issues have all been patched and fixed. You can view a full list of El Capitan’s non-security related fixes right here.
Conclusion
Since iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan are both new operating systems, it’s a fair bet that more bugs and app issues will continue to emerge over the next few months. Keep an eye on Apple’s website to watch for the latest updates and install them as they become available. Like any other new software, these operating systems are a work in progress, so knowing when to update is a big part of staying protected and ensuring the best user experience.
