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Apple patches iPhone, iPad security flaw with updated iOS 14.4.2

A vulnerability was discovered that could allow malicious web content to access private data on Apple mobile devices, but the fix is now live.

Dale Smith Former Associate Writer
Dale Smith is a former Associate Writer on the How-To team at CNET.
Dale Smith
Apple computers

Apple released security updates for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch on Saturday.

James Martin/CNET

Apple on Saturday released updates to its iOS mobile operating system intended to patch a security flaw that could expose iPhone , iPad and Apple Watch users' personal information to potential hackers. The update is in response to the discovery of a vulnerability that would let hackers insert malicious code onto affected devices, granting them access to users' private data -- details like name, email address, and so on.

For newer iPhone and iPad users, iOS 14.4.2 is now live and available for download. For older devices like the iPhone 6 , iPhone 5s and several discontinued models of iPad, iOS 12.5.2 closes this vulnerability. Apple Watch users will need WatchOS 7.3.3.

This latest bug fix update comes as Apple continues to beta test the next major update, iOS 14.5, which is expected to bring features like the ability to unlock FaceID with Apple Watch as well as more subtle UI tweaks to apps like Podcasts and Music.

To update your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, open your Settings app, then tap General, then Software Update.