Apple has released the much-anticipated iOS 18.1 recently and users with iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 lineup are going gaga about the new Apple Intelligence features.
ALSO READ: Here's how it's different from latest iOS 18.0.1 that is crucial for iPhone 16 owners
The Apple Intelligence features would not be available for iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus or older models. But that does not mean iOS 18.1 is unnecessary for these users. Because iOS 18.1 is loaded with 28 security fixes for all iPhone users.
Apple Intelligence is here! 🎉 Starting today, you can get more done on iPhone, iPad, and Mac with powerful new features, including system-wide Writing Tools, a more conversational Siri, intelligence in photos, and so much more. This is the beginning of an exciting new era.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 28, 2024
Major security fixes
Issues in the iOS Kernel and Safari browser WebKit are said to be fixed in the update. An issue in the Kernel, titled CVE-2024-44239, that allows apps to leak sensitive kernel state has been fixed.
Hearing is a vital part of our health. Apple's new end-to-end hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2 allows customers to improve, protect, and better understand their hearing. We're excited for these new features to have an impact on people's lives. They're available today!
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 29, 2024
Two WebKit issues have also been patched. The first issue, CVE-2024-44261, would have allowed an attacker to view restricted content from the lock screen while the latter, CVE-2024-44244, prevented the Content Security Policy from being enforced when a maliciously crafted web content gets downloaded.
Another issue was CVE-2024-44255, which would let a malware app to run shortcuts without user consent. Three privacy bugs in Siri and a flaw that allows hackers to breat out of Web Content sandbox have also been fixed.
Other bug fixes
In Podcasts, there was an issue with unplayed episodes being marked as played. This will be fixed with iOS 18.1.
Videos recorded at 4K 60 fps while the device is warm have been experiencing stutter while scrubbing the video playback in Photos. This issue has been fixed.
Another issue that has been fixed is the digital car keys not unlocking or start a vehicle with passive entry after restoring from a backup or transferring directly from another iPhone.
There were complaints that iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models failed to restart on certain occasions. This has also been fixed.
Call recordings
This allows you to record live phone calls. There will be an automatic announcement that the call is being recorded.
Camera Control
This new feature allows iPhone 16 series users to switch to the front TrueDepth Camera using Camera Control
Spatial camera mode
For users with iPhone 15 Pro and above, a new Spatial camera mode will be available allowing them to capture spatial photos and videos
Hearing Test and Hearing Aid
Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features require AirPods Pro 2 with firmware version 7B19 or later. The Hearing Test feature gives you scientifically validated hearing test results while the Hearing Aid feature provides personalised, clinical-grade assistance.
The Hearing Aid feature is intended for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. It is automatically applied to sounds in your environment as well as music, videos and calls.
Other improvements
Control Centre will have new options to add connectivity controls individually and reset your configuration. RCS Business Messaging allows you to connect with businesses over RCS. This needs network provider support.
