Update your iPhone now, there’s a new security exploit

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If you’re the type of Apple user that prefers to wait a while before updating your iPhone, maybe it’s time to make an exception. See, there’s an active security threat affecting most versions of iOS and watchOS, so you should go and grab the latest security update, like right now.

You won’t get any new features once you do, but you will be safe from a nasty security exploit that lets dodgy websites do some cross-site scripting. Apple says that it has reports of the issue being actively used, so it’s very much a case of “better safe than sorry,” so go update your devices.

We’re serious, go update your Apple devices

The threat, which is patched in iOS 14.4.2, iPadOS 14.4.2, and watchOS 7.3.3, is “a powerful zero-day exploit” according to the CVE listing. Every iPhone since the 6s, every iPad Pro, the Apple Watch Series 3 and later, and pretty much every iPad released recently is affected, so if you’re using a newer Apple device, your device is in the must-patch group.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad

Tap on General

Tap on Software Update

Tap on Download and Install

You might get asked if you want to temporarily remove apps because the update needs more space. Tap on Continue. iOS will reinstall those apps after the update is finished

Tap on Install once the update has downloaded

Now you’ve got your iPhone or iPad updated to the latest software version, patching out those nasty vulnerabilities that could have let attackers get into your device. Oh, if you’ve got an Apple Watch, you should update that as well.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.