iPhone users urged to update phone after 15 security issues are discovered

Apple has urged iPhone users to update their devices.

The tech giant has recommended that all iPhone users should download the latest iOS 17.3 update after 15 security issues were flagged which have the potential to expose users' sensitive data.

The identified breaches were found in Mail Search, where third parties could reportedly access information, as well as in the Safari browser, which may have let the users' private browsing activity be visible in Settings.

The security issues were also identified in WebKit, which is the browser that powers Safari.

Apple described this is as ‘a maliciously crafted web page may be able to fingerprint the user’ and confirmed that it ‘doesn’t disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available’.

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Unfortunately, it’s not just been phones that have targeted as iPads have also reportedly experienced the same software threats.

As well as fixing the security bugs, Apple's latest software update aims to stop cybercriminals from locking iPhone users out of their accounts when a phone is stolen with a feature called Stolen Device Protection.

Apple explains: "Stolen Device Protection increases security of iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions.

"Security Delay requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour wait, and then an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations like changing device passcode or Apple ID password can be performed."

To activate this, users should go to Settings, then Face ID and Passwords where they can turn the feature on.

iPhone and iPad users can update their devices by heading to Settings, General and then activate the download for the new iOS 17.3.

Though it's worth noting that some of the latest features might not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices.

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As well as updating their software to ensure user safety, Apple has shared two ways in which you can save more battery on your iPhone if you’re ever in a pinch, which weirdly enough has nothing to do with ‘battery saver mode’.

One of the ways which can save your battery according to Apple, is by turning down the brightness on your screen, as this can eat through the battery faster than we thought.

It explains: “To dim, open Control Centre and drag the Brightness slider to the bottom.

“Auto-Brightness adjusts your screen to lighting conditions automatically. To activate it, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Display Accommodations and set Auto-Brightness to On.”

Another tip is to connect to the nearest Wi-Fi instead of using your phone's network as this also preserves battery life.

Apple states: “When you use your device to access data, a Wi‑Fi connection uses less power than a mobile network - so keep Wi‑Fi on at all times. To turn on Wi‑Fi, go to Settings > Wi‑Fi to access a Wi‑Fi network."

UNILAD has contacted Apple for comment.