Apple Releases iOS 14.4.2, iPadOS 14.4.2, and watchOS 7.3.3 Update to Fix Actively Exploited Security Flaw

Apple also released a patch update to iOS 12, version 12.5.2, for older devices.

By Jasmin Jose | Updated: 29 March 2021 16:25 IST

Apple Releases iOS 14.4.2, iPadOS 14.4.2, and watchOS 7.3.3 Update to Fix Actively Exploited Security Flaw

The last major update from Apple for iPhone and iPad models was iOS 14.4 released in January this year

Highlights

Apple has detected a security vulnerability in WebKit
All eligible users are advised by Apple to install the security patches
The updates have been widely rolled out

Apple has released iOS 14.4.2, iPadOS 14.4.2, and watchOS 7.3.3 patch updates to fix a vulnerability in its latest devices. The updates fix a security flaw in WebKit, the browser engine developed by Apple and used in its Safari Web browser, which is also mandated for use in all third party browsers on iOS. Apple said that the WebKit flaw may have been exploited. The Cupertino-based company has also released iOS 12.5.2 and iPadOS 12.5.2 to patch the WebKit security issue in older iPhone and iPad models running on iOS 12. Apple had released iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, and watchOS 7.3 feature update in January. A new major update for the latest iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch models is due later this year.

Apple has said that it has detected a bug in WebKit that could allow a malignant website to perform activate random cross-site scripting. The tech giant said that it was “aware of a report that this bug was getting exploited”. The current updates for are only a security fix and do not include any new features.

The iOS 14.4.2 update applies to iPhone 6s and later. The iPadOS 14.2.2 is for iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation). The iOS and iPadOS 12.5.2 patch is applicable for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation). The watchOS 7.3.3 fixes the security issue for Apple Watch Series 3 and later. In case you haven't received a notification on your compatible Apple devices, you can go to Settings > Software Update and tap on Install Now.

Apple is currently in the process of beta testing iOS and iPadOS 14.5, which is expected to reach users by April. iOS 14.5 will hit the market with feature enhancements including the ability to unlock iPhone using Apple Watch when you are wearing a face mask. It will also introduce the controversial App Tracking Transparency feature, a new permissions dialogue box that apps would be required to show before sharing user information with third-parties.

The last major update from Apple for its iPhone and iPad models was iOS 14.4 released in January this year. It brings a list of new features and improvements including a feature that notifies iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max users when their camera is unable to be verified as a genuine Apple camera. The update also fixed a problem with the default keyboard that caused a delay in typing and showing word suggestions on some devices.

The WatchOS 7.3 update for Apple Watch brings the Unity watch face, which is inspired by the colours of the Pan-African Flag. The update also brings Time to Walk for Apple Fitness+ subscribers and expands the ECG app for the Apple Watch Series 4 and later to Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, and Thailand.

Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, has a double bill this week: the OnePlus 9 series, and Justice League Snyder Cut (starting at 25:32). Orbital is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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iPhone 12 mini

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Very good build quality
Dolby Vision HDR video recording
Excellent cameras
Smooth performance in everyday use
Light and convenient

Bad
Below-average battery life
Gets warm when stressed

Read detailed Apple iPhone 12 mini review

Display 5.40-inch

Processor Apple A14 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 4GB

Storage 64GB

OS iOS 14

Resolution 1080x2340 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

iPhone 12

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Very good build quality
Dolby Vision HDR video recording
Excellent cameras
Smooth performance in everyday use

Bad
Battery life could be better
Gets warm when stressed

Read detailed Apple iPhone 12 review

Display 6.10-inch

Processor Apple A14 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

Storage 64GB

OS iOS 14

Resolution 1170x2532 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

iPhone 12 Pro

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Solid build quality
Excellent display
Dolby Vision video recording
Snappy overall performance
All-day battery life

Bad
Heats up when gaming
Not differentiated much from iPhone 12
Not great value

Read detailed Apple iPhone 12 Pro review

Display 6.10-inch

Processor Apple A14 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

Storage 64GB

OS iOS 14

Resolution 1170x2532 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

iPhone 12 Pro Max

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Excellent build quality
Immersive display
Very good battery life
Versatile cameras
Speedy performance

Bad
Can be uncomfortable to hold
Heats up when gaming
Very expensive

Read detailed Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max review

Display 6.70-inch

Processor Apple A14 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

Storage 128GB

OS iOS 14

Resolution 1284x2778 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

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