iOS 12.1.4 Now Available With Group FaceTime Bug Fix

Apple today released a new iOS 12.1.4 update for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, with the new software designed to fix an insidious privacy-invading Group FaceTime bug that could be exploited to eavesdrop on conversations.

The new iOS 12.1.4 software can be downloaded on all eligible devices over-the-air using the Settings app. To download it, go to Settings --> General --> Software update.


Though Apple's release notes for the update list "security updates" without going into specifics, the issue that's being fixed here is the Group ‌FaceTime‌ vulnerability. After the bug was widely publicized last week, Apple promised a fix, which was delayed to this week.

The ‌FaceTime‌ bug allowed someone to spy on you without your permission or knowledge. By exploiting the bug, a person could initiate a ‌FaceTime‌ call with you and then add themselves to the call again to force a Group ‌FaceTime‌ connection.

When this happened, the bug caused the person to be able to hear the audio on your end, despite the fact that the call was never answered and still looked like a standard ‌FaceTime‌ incoming call interface. In some situations, if you pressed the side button to silence a call, it would even give the person access to your video.

It was a serious bug, so serious that Apple took its entire Group ‌FaceTime‌ server offline as the company took the time to prepare the iOS 12.1.4 update. The Group ‌FaceTime‌ bug was publicized last Monday and Group ‌FaceTime‌ has been offline since then.

The Group ‌FaceTime‌ bug may have required some major under-the-hood changes to ‌FaceTime‌ given that it took Apple nearly two weeks to fix the issue. Following today's update, the Group ‌FaceTime‌ bug will no longer be able to be exploited and Apple will be able to bring its Group ‌FaceTime‌ server back online.

It continues to be unclear just how long the Group ‌FaceTime‌ bug was available for. Group ‌FaceTime‌ was introduced last October, and Apple has not let us know if the bug has been around since that launch date or if it was introduced in a later iOS 12 update.

Related Forum: iOS 12

Top Rated Comments

AngerDanger Avatar
63 months ago


Still really digging the all caps "MAJOR" in the title of the video, but I think the thumbnail needs more work to really grab people's attention.



So is Group FaceTime re enabled server side? Or do they wait for a certain percent to upgrade? Those on 12.1.3 will still be vulnerable correct?
I presume Group FaceTime is re-enabled server side for all those who make a FaceTime call with the newest version of iOS. It probably remains disabled for earlier versions.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dumastudetto Avatar
63 months ago
Only Apple can do this.
Imagine if this problem was on Android, users would be waiting for years (probably forever) for an update fix it.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Baymowe335 Avatar
63 months ago
It’s about time Apple. Only a week behind......but who even uses Group FaceTime anyways? Might as well update just in case
Should they have rushed out a fix to save a week? They disabled it on the server side.

You people are priceless.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tny Avatar
63 months ago
Just installed phone seems a lot more responsive.
I believe the canonical expression is "snappier."
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cableguy84 Avatar
63 months ago
Just installed phone seems a lot more responsive.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
63 months ago
but who even uses Group FaceTime anyways?
Really? Broaden your imagination. This is a _huge_ tool for companies for communicating when they can’t congregate together or if employees are spread about, or family members that are set apart that can’t can see each other regularly.

The Agency that I work for, is already planning on using group FaceTime for when we have a scheduled meeting, when not all the employees can attend because we work different shifts/hours. I would say this a nice advantage to have when I can be at home and talk to my supervisor/other fellow colleagues direct with this new feature.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 16 4 Web Push

Apple Confirms Governments Using Push Notifications to Surveil Users

Wednesday December 6, 2023 5:06 am PST by
Unidentified governments are surveilling smartphone users by tracking push notifications that move through Google's and Apple's servers, a US senator warned on Wednesday (via Reuters). In a letter to the Department of Justice, Senator Ron Wyden said foreign officials were demanding the data from the tech giants to track smartphones. The traffic flowing from apps that send push notifications...
iOS 17

iOS 17.2 Will Add These 12 New Features to Your iPhone

Friday December 1, 2023 12:19 pm PST by
iOS 17.2 has been in beta testing for over a month, and it should be released to all users in a few more weeks. The software update includes many new features and changes for iPhones, including the dozen that we have highlighted below. iOS 17.2 is expected to be released to the public in mid-December. To learn about even more features coming in the update, check out our full list. Journal ...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 May Reuse Existing iPhone 14 Battery

Wednesday December 6, 2023 1:17 pm PST by
Recently, MacRumors has received details on the battery currently being tested on the upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE, and the information corroborates previous findings in relation to the device. The iPhone SE 4, known by its device identifier D59, is expected to use the exact same battery found in the base model iPhone 14. Partially assembled prototypes of the next iPhone SE have been ...
best buy snowflakes

Best Buy's New Weekend Sale Has Record Low Prices on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air

Friday December 8, 2023 7:37 am PST by
Best Buy's month-long holiday sale continues this weekend with multiple all-time low prices on Apple's line of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air computers. In addition to Apple notebooks, Best Buy's event has discounts sitewide on home appliances, TVs, video games, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive...
beeper mini

Apple Puts a Stop to Beeper Mini's iMessage for Android Feature

Friday December 8, 2023 2:24 pm PST by
Apple appears to have closed the loophole that Beeper Mini used to bring iMessage to Android, putting a stop to blue bubbles from Android devices. Beeper Mini quit working earlier today, with users receiving "failed to lookup on server: lookup request timed out" error messages. Beeper said on Twitter that it is investigating the issue, but Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky told TechCrunch that "all ...
maxresdefault

Review: Two Months With the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Thursday December 7, 2023 12:04 pm PST by
Apple's iPhone 15 lineup came out in September, and while most reviews are done shortly after a new device launches, we like to follow up with a longer term review that gives us an opportunity to provide a deeper dive into what it's like using these phones on a day to day basis for months. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has been...
anker new gold

Anker Begins Countdown to Christmas Sale With Up to 50% Off Popular Charging Accessories

Thursday December 7, 2023 7:55 am PST by
Anker has launched its newest holiday sale, this one offering a special deal every day in the lead-up to Christmas. These sales offer up to 50 percent off select products, and include discounts on USB-C chargers, portable batteries, and much more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which ...
12

Apple to Launch Two iPad Air and Two OLED iPad Pro Models Early Next Year

Wednesday December 6, 2023 9:53 am PST by
To boost falling iPad sales, Apple has a major refresh planned for the iPad lineup in early 2024, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple plans to debut new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, both of which will feature notable changes. The iPad Air will come in two sizes like the iPad Pro for the first time. The smaller model will continue to measure in at 10.9 inches, but the larger version...