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Recently Apple released the iOS 17.3 update for compatible models which, in addition to solving a serious security problem, brings a new system that strengthens the protection of the iPhone in the event of theft . But while updating its most recent iPhones, the firm also deployed a security update for older models, including the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s, from 2015.
Indeed, for devices that use iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, Apple has released the iOS 15.8.1 and iPadOS 15.8.1 update. Obviously, this update does not bring new features. This is a simple security update that fixes two vulnerabilities discovered in the WebKit component of the operating system. iOS 15.8.1 and iPadOS 15.8.1 updates are for the following models: iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation) and iPod touch (7th generation).
Still 13% of iPhones running iOS 15 in 2023
In any case, the fact that Apple continues to update this old version of iOS is a good signal for people who still use it. According to the latest official statistics, which date from May 2023, iOS 15 was still used on 13% of iPhones. As for iPadOS 15, it was still used on 20% of iPads. The update recently deployed by Apple therefore has a significant impact in terms of security. However, it is also important to note that Apple does not fix all security issues on older versions of its operating systems.
This is written in black and white in a support page of the firm: “due to the dependence on changes at the architecture level and system updates to a current version of Apple's operating system (e.g., macOS 14, iOS 17, etc.), not all known security issues are fixed in earlier versions (e.g., macOS 13, iOS 16 , so on).”
Apple caught up by the competition ?
One of the advantages of owning an iPhone, instead of an Android, is that it has a long software life. But this is changing, as more and more competitors commit to updating their flagships over very long periods of time. In 2023, Google, for example, launched the Pixel 8 series, which it undertakes to update (new versions of Android, as well as security updates) until 2030.
And recently Samsung introduced its Galaxy S24 series. Like Google, the Korean giant has committed to providing updates for this series for a period of 7 years. And like Google, Samsung hasn't limited its commitment to security updates. “Committed to extending the lifespan of its products, Samsung will provide 7 generations of OS updates and 7 years of security updates for the Galaxy S24 Series”, can -we read in Samsung's announcement.
- Apple has just released a security update for the iPhone 6s, which was released in 2015
- This fixes two flaws that affected the WebKit component of the operating system
< li>If the iPhone is known for its longevity, thanks to updates, Apple is gradually being caught up by the competition
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