Apple has officially released iOS 14.4, bringing some important bug fixes and security updates. Smaller QR codes can now be recognised by Camera and there is an option to classify Bluetooth device type in Settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications
If you get an iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max repaired and the repair person uses a non-genuine Apple camera or a camera recycled from another iPhone 12 model, Apple will now send notifications. Apple says that these notifications will be sent when the camera on one of the new iPhone 12 models is “unable to be verified as a new, genuine Apple camera.”
More importantly, iOS 14.4 fixes three vulnerabilities which are said to be under attacks by hackers. Apple said in its security update pages for iOS and iPadOS 14.4 that the three bugs affecting iPhones and iPads “may have been actively exploited.” Details of the vulnerabilities are scarce, and an Apple spokesperson declined to comment beyond what’s in the advisory.
It’s not known who is actively exploiting the vulnerabilities, or who might have fallen victim. Apple did not say if the attack was targeted against a small subset of users or if it was a wider attack. Apple granted anonymity to the individual who submitted the bug, the advisory said.
Two of the bugs were found in WebKit, the browser engine that powers the Safari browser, and the Kernel, the core of the operating system. Some successful exploits use sets of vulnerabilities chained together, rather than a single flaw. It’s not uncommon for attackers to first target vulnerabilities in a device’s browsers as a way to get access to the underlying operating system.
Apple said additional details would be available soon, but did not say when.
iOS 14.4 Fixes
- iPhone 12 Pro image artifacts – HDR photos taken by some iPhone 12 Pro models could have visible image artifacts, a bug that should now be fixed.
- Fitness widget – For some users, the Fitness widget was not displaying updated Activity data.
- Delayed typing – A bug that could cause typing to be delayed and word suggestions not to appear in the keyboard has been fixed, which should be a relief to the users that have had this problem for quite some time.
- Messages keyboard – A bug that could cause the incorrect language keyboard to appear in Messages has been fixed.
- CarPlay News app – There was a bug that could cause audio stories from the News app in CarPlay not to resume after being paused for spoken directions or for Siri, which has been addressed.
- Switch Control – Turning on the Switch Control feature in Accessibility could prevent phone calls from being answered from the Lock Screen.
iOS 14.4 is available as a free software update starting today for iPhone 6s and later. If you don’t receive an automatic update notification, you can trigger the update manually by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
