Apple to iPhone, iPad users: Install this 'urgent' iOS update

Apple has started rolling out iOS 14.4.2, iPadOS 14.4.2, and watchOS 7.3.3, and users should install the update as soon as possible. "This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users," says the company in a security advisory to users.

The update is reported to be in response to the discovery of a flaw that would allow hackers to insert malicious code onto affected devices, granting them access to users' private data, details like name, email address, and more. Apple says that it is aware that the vulnerability may have been exploited in the wild. A security support document says that the update fixes flaw that was "actively exploited".

"Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to universal cross site scripting. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited," says Apple about the impact of the vulnerability. "This issue was addressed by improved management of object lifetimes," the company further adds in description.

"For the protection of our customers, Apple doesn't disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are generally available," says the company on its security updates page.

Update available for the following Apple devices
According to Apple's release notes, the update is available for iPhone 6s and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation). Apple has also released a security patch update to iOS 12, version 12.5.2, for devices that cannot be updated to iOS14. These include iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, third-generation iPad mini, first-generation iPad Air and the sixth-generation iPod Touch. This means that the security vulnerability also affects older iOS devices.

How to update
Apple iOS and iPadOS 14.4.2 updates is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To update your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. Tap Download and Install.