Drug-Resistant Fungus Computing's Top Prize Google's AI Chatbot Beat Airline Ticket Prices ChatGPT Bug 7 Daily Habits for Happiness Weigh Yourself Accurately 12 Healthy Spring Recipes
Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
No, thank you
Accept

iOS 16.4 Is Almost Here. You Should Still Download iOS 16.3.1 Now

The iOS 16.3.1 update comes with a number of fixes, including one for an issue that might be used to hack your phone.

iPhone 14 Pro
Security fixes and more land on your iPhone with the latest iOS update.
James Martin/CNET

Apple has released beta versions of iOS 16.4 to testers, so Apple will likely release that update to the public soon. But you should still download iOS 16.3.1 as soon as possible.

Apple released iOS 16.3.1 on Feb. 13, a few weeks after the release of iOS 16.3. Though iOS 16.3 included new features like security keys for Apple ID and support for the second-generation HomePod, the latest update fixes some issues that iPhone users might've run into recently, including a bug that Apple said might be actively exploited.

Here's what's included in Apple's iOS 16.3.1 update.

What's in iOS 16.3.1

The latest iOS update includes bug fixes and security updates that address issues with iCloud, Siri, Find My and crash detection.

CNET Tech Tips logo

Apple's security notes say this latest update patches an iPhone bug that may've been actively exploited. Apple writes that the bug may lead to arbitrary code execution, and the bug affects iPhone 8 models and later. According to Okta, arbitrary code execution could allow hackers to steal your data.

The update could also fix an iCloud issue some users ran into after the release of iOS 16.3. Some users on Reddit and Twitter have said they haven't been able to back up to iCloud since the release of the previous update.

Another issue that iOS 16.3.1 could address has to do with crash detection on iPhone 14 and 14 Pro models. Crash detection has helped alert first responders to some car crashes, but it has also been triggered when some users ride roller coasters with their phones

Here's what Apple says is fixed with iOS 16.3.1.

  • iCloud settings may be unresponsive or incorrectly display if apps are using iCloud.
  • Siri requests for Find My may not work.
  • Crash detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models.

For more, check out all the features you missed in iOS 16.3what iOS 16.4 beta features testers can try now and how you can sign up to test Apple's iOS beta software.

Now playing: Watch this: iOS 16: Powerful Features You May Have Missed
6:28