Apple quietly re-releases iOS 17.6.1

In a strange move, Apple has re-released iOS 17.6.1, bringing the same fix for an issue that prevents enabling or disabling Advanced Data Protection.

If you’re wondering why it’s a strange move, Apple launched iOS 17.6.1 on August 7. But now, there’s a new edition with a new build number, but still described as iOS 17.6.1.

The original release had the build number 21G93, and the new one is 21G101. It’s not apparent who will see this update because if you downloaded the earlier update, and check in to the Software Update section of the Settings app, you won’t be provided with a new update, instead you will simply see a message that your iPhone is up to date.

However, if you haven’t updated, then you’ll see the new release.

Advanced Data Protection is an optional feature that expands end-to-end encryption for some iCloud services, such as iCloud device backups, Messages and Photos, it’s an important feature to have enabled.

Both vulnerabilities require an attacker to have physical access to your iPhone.

Apple says that the Advanced Data Protection bug in iOS 17.6 affected a small number of users.

Basically, if a user attempted to turn Advanced Data Protection on and it failed, they were presented with a clear error message so they were aware the change failed. If a user attempted to turn the feature off and it failed, the interface would show that the feature had been turned off, but it was still active on iCloud.

After installing iOS 17.6.1 and macOS 14.6.1, these users will be prompted to go to Settings and verify that they still wish to disable Advanced Data Protection.

Apple also re-issued the iPad version, iPadOS 17.6.1 and also issued new updates for watchOS and tvOS.