Apple Issues Security Update for Older Devices

Our devices last longer and longer these days, even when their manufacturers’ decide to stop supporting them. But just because a smartphone or computer does not receive the last software updates, that doesn’t mean they’re cut off from the rest of the world. Case in point: Apple just released new security updates for its older devices that are not compatible with its latest software. If you have one of these devices, you should update as soon as possible.

Apple released updates for older iPhones, iPads, and Macs on Monday, April 10. The updates, iOS 15.7.5, iPadOS 15.7.5, macOS Monterey 12.6.5, and macOS Big Sur 11.7.6, patch older Apple devices that are not compatible with the current updates, such as iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura.

On the iPhone and iPad side, 15.7.5 patches two security vulnerabilities: One, an IOSurfaceAccelerator issue, allows bad actors to execute arbitrary code with kernel issues, which would allow said bad actors to take over your device. Apple acknowledges this vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. The other issue concerns WebKit, in which a bad actor could also execute arbitrary code, taking over your device. This vulnerability has also been exploited in the wild, making both dangerous to remain unpatched.

The updates are available for iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), and iPod touch (7th generation).

Both the macOS Big Sur and macOS Monterey updates patch the same IOSurfaceAccelerator issue as iOS and iPadOS 15.7.5. These patches are separate in case your machine is only compatible with macOS Big Sur, or only runs up to macOS Monterey.

To update your iPhone or iPad, open Settings > General > Software Update, then follow the on-screen instructions. To update your Mac, open System Preferences > Software Update, then follow the on-screen instructions.