Apple released iOS 14.4 last week, and as is traditional, Apple has now stopped signing iOS 14.3, making downgrading to that version of iOS no longer possible.
Version 14.4 includes patches for vulnerabilities that may have already been actively exploited by bad actors.
Apple was notified by an anonymous security researcher and Apple included an emergency patch in iOS 14.4. Apple says the kernel vulnerability could allow a malicious application to elevate privileges, and it is aware that the issue may have been actively exploited.
iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 also include numerous other improvements and fixes.
iOS 14.4
iOS 14.4 includes the following improvements for your iPhone:
- Smaller QR codes can be recognized by Camera
- Option to classify Bluetooth device type in Settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications
- Notifications for when the camera on your iPhone is unable to be verified as a new, genuine Apple camera in iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
This release also fixes the following issues:
- Image artifacts could appear in HDR photos taken with iPhone 12 Pro
- Fitness widget may not display updated Activity data
- Typing may be delayed and word suggestions may not appear in the keyboard
- The keyboard may not come up in the correct language in Messages
- Audio stories from the News app in CarPlay may not resume after being paused for spoken directions or Siri
- Enabling Switch Control in Accessibility may prevent phone calls from being answered from the Lock Screen
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
Apple is known to routinely stop signing older versions of operating systems after it releases a public update, as part of an effort to encourage users to keep their devices’ operating systems up to date. Restoring devices to older iOS builds is common for users with jailbroken devices.
