Apple iOS 15
Apple has released iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1 for iPhones and iPads worldwide. The updates bring a pair of critical security fixes, but should you upgrade given iOS 15’s history of instability? Here’s everything you need to know.
Tip: bookmark this page because I will keep it up-to-date if/when new problems are found. I will deliver my final verdict in a week.
Who Is It For?
Apple iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1 are for all iOS 15-compatible devices; this means the iPhone 6S (2015) and newer and iPad Air 2 (2014) and newer. With Apple admitting to auto-update delays, it is best to trigger the update manually by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. If you are running newer beta software (see ‘The Road Ahead’ section at the end), you must unenroll your device before the update appears.
Note: this guide is not focused on older iOS updates, iPadOS or macOS, but I will touch upon pertinent issues in these guides.
The Deal Breakers
After a rocky start, latter releases of iOS 15 have been increasingly stable and bug-free; and the signs are also good for iOS 15.6.1.
Twenty-four hours after release, the only reported concerns relate to previous bugs (video quality importing to Premiere Pro, Apple Watch sync issues) and isolated boot-up and Finder issues, neither of which has any traction.
For jailbreakers, caution is advised though Pangu is making progress with iOS 15 jailbreaks and Odyssey Team is promising a jailbreak for iOS 15 using a tool called ‘Cheyote’. That said, given the seriousness of the flaws iOS 15.6.1 patches, you may want to rethink your priorities (more below).
Apple iOS 16.5.1
So What Do You Get?
Apple’s iOS 15.6.1 release notes are minimal, saying only: “This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.”
Yes, the update has no new features, but the big news can be found on Apple’s official security page. iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1, and macOS Monterey 12.5.1 all contain fixes for two zero-day vulnerabilities (CVE-2022-32894 – found in Kernel and CVE-2022-32893 – WebKit), both of which Apple believes “may have been actively exploited.”
The flaws allow hackers to execute potentially malicious code on iPhones, iPads, Macs and MacBooks. This makes the releases critically important and priority updates for all users.
Apple iOS 15.6.1 Verdict: Upgrade
At this stage, iOS 15 has proved itself to be consistently reliable, and iOS 15.6.1 looks set to follow this trend. Yes, isolated problems remain, but no software is ever bug-free. My advise is to upgrade as soon as possible.
Note: hesitant upgraders can bookmark this guide because it will be updated with any relevant flaws or features I find. I will publish my final verdict here in one week.
The Road Ahead
At the time of publication, Apple has not released another iOS 15 beta, and the company’s focus is now squarely on iOS 16, with a fourth beta released earlier this week. At this stage, barring the discovery of any serious bugs, I suspect this is the end of the line for iOS 15. It may also be time for iPhone 6s, iPhone 7. iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 4 owners to move on because they are not supported by iOS 16.
If you want to try this next-generation update early, you can get it at the Apple Beta Software Program ahead of its expected release in September.
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