iOS 18: Apple Just Gave iPhone Users 33 Reasons To Update Now

On Monday, Apple launched iOS 18, introducing 33 security updates and a variety of new features for the iPhone.

On Monday, Apple launched iOS 18, which comes with 33 security patches and a variety of new features for iPhones. This release coincided with iOS 17.7, a security-focused update for those who prefer to hold off on upgrading their devices.

iOS 17.7 includes 16 security patches, whereas iOS 18 offers more than double that amount. Several of the vulnerabilities addressed in iOS 18 are critical, affecting WebKit, which is the foundational technology for the Safari browser, as well as the Kernel that operates at the core of the iPhone's system.

One of the significant problems addressed in iOS 18 involves two security flaws in the Kernel, identified as CVE-2024-44165 and CVE-2024-44191. These vulnerabilities could enable an application to access Bluetooth without permission. Additionally, there's a weakness in the Sandbox, labeled CVE-2024-40863, which might result in an app exposing confidential data. Furthermore, CVE-2024-40857 pertains to an issue in WebKit that could allow harmful web content to trigger universal cross-site scripting attacks.

Another vulnerability in Webkit, identified as CVE-2024-44187, has the potential for a harmful website to extract data from different origins, according to information on Apple's support page.

A vulnerability in Core Bluetooth, identified as CVE-2024-44124, has also been addressed in iOS 17.7. This issue could enable a harmful Bluetooth device to skip the pairing process.

According to Sean Wright, several changes in the iOS 18 release are quite important, including the potential to link harmful Bluetooth devices. However, many of these issues are not present in the 17.7 version, which indicates that they may be unique to the iOS 18 Beta. He recommends that anyone using the Beta version should update as soon as possible.

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IOS 17.7 Or IOS 18: What Should You Choose?

Some individuals may choose to stick with iOS 17.7 for now, allowing time for any initial problems with iOS 18 to be resolved. However, it's important to acknowledge that upgrading to iOS 18 will enhance the overall security of your iPhone.

In iOS 18, Apple is putting a greater emphasis on enhancing iPhone security. This update will include a wider array of patches, along with several new security features. One of the standout additions is the new password management app, which offers significant advancements over the iCloud Keychain. It includes capabilities comparable to those found in comprehensive password management services like 1Password.

Apple's iOS 18 introduces some impressive privacy features, including the option to conceal sensitive applications, allowing access only through Face ID when someone else is using your device.

If your iPhone is compatible with iOS 17, it will also support iOS 18. Nevertheless, certain advanced AI features set to launch later this year will only be available for the iPhone 15 and newer models.

According to Wright, the decision for users considering whether to remain on iOS 17 or switch to iOS 18 will come down to individual choice rather than concerns about security. "A lot of people might choose to stick with the older iOS 17 to wait for the early bugs in iOS 18 to be fixed — and that's a completely valid stance to have."

Here's what you need to do: Navigate to your Settings, then select General, and choose Software Update to install iOS 18 or iOS 17.7 right away.