Latest Security Updates for Mac, iPhone, and iPad Explained

Apple has recently provided new details regarding the latest updates for its operating systems, including iOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 17.7.5, and macOS 13.7.4, 14.7.4, and 15.3.1. However, the information disclosed is somewhat limited.

These updates, released in a series of minor version changes, primarily address security vulnerabilities, one of which Apple has confirmed is already being exploited. As noted on the company's Security Updates webpage, users of both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, along with iPadOS 17, are urged to install iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, as well as iPadOS 17.7.5, to protect their devices.

One significant vulnerability exists within the Accessibility module, which is crucial for device accessibility features. This flaw affects the USB Restricted Mode, a security feature meant to limit data access when the device is locked. According to Apple, this vulnerability can be bypassed through a sophisticated attack that requires physical access to the device. The issue was identified by the Citizen Lab, a research group at the University of Toronto, which is expected to release further information in the coming days.

Apple has stated that this vulnerability allows for physical attacks on locked devices, though the exact implications of such attacks remain unclear. The USB Restricted Mode is intended to prevent unauthorized data extraction via the USB-C port, and while the potential for injecting malicious code exists, Apple has not elaborated on this aspect. The company has indicated that specific individuals may have been targeted by these attacks, although details about these cases are not available.

The updates implement a refined State Management system to rectify the identified vulnerability. Compatibility for the patch extends to iPhones from the XS model onwards, as well as various iPad models including the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro, the third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 3 and later, iPad 7 and newer, and iPad mini 5 and newer. Devices that cannot support iOS 18 or iPadOS 17.7.5 will remain exposed to security risks.

In addition to iOS and iPadOS updates, Apple has also rolled out updates for watchOS and visionOS, now available as versions 11.3.1 and 2.3.1, respectively. However, these updates do not address any security issues, and Apple has not provided information on what new features or improvements they might include, leaving users to apply these updates without clarity on their contents.

Regarding macOS, the latest versions--macOS 15.3.1, macOS 14.7.4 (Sonoma), and macOS 13.7.4 (Ventura)--similarly do not include security patches, focusing instead on bug fixes. The specifics of these fixes have not been disclosed, despite the updates requiring significant download sizes of over 2 GB. Previous reports highlighted issues with macOS 15.3 related to third-party firewall compatibility, but it remains uncertain whether these issues have been resolved with the latest updates.