Apple Releases iOS and iPadOS 14.5.1 With Fixes for App Tracking Transparency Bug, WebKit Security Issues

Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 14.5.1, minor security updates that come just a week after the release of the iOS 14.5 update. There is also a companion watchOS 7.4.1 update for Apple Watch and an iOS 12.5.3 update for older iPhone and iPad devices that don't support Apple's latest operating system versions.

iOS 14 on iPhone feature emergency
According to Apple's release notes, the update fixes a bug with App Tracking Transparency that may have prevented some users from receiving prompts from apps.

This update fixes an issue with App Tracking Transparency where some users who previously disabled Allow Apps to Request to Track in Settings may not receive prompts from apps after re-enabling it. This update also provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

Security notes for the release indicate that it addresses a memory corruption issue and an integer overflow in WebKit that could both be exploited using maliciously crafted web content. Apple says it aware of a report that these issues may have been actively exploited, so users are advised to upgrade immediately.

The iOS and iPadOS 14.5.1 updates can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Related Forum: iOS 14

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Top Rated Comments

63 months ago
You would think they would have noticed this problem during the beta period?
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kenni417 Avatar
63 months ago
maybe this is why i haven’t received any request to track my data
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
krspkbl Avatar
63 months ago
Good thing they had beta tests….
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M-Life Avatar
63 months ago

They forgot the slowing down feature of old devices.
2016 called, they want their joke back.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleFan91 Avatar
63 months ago
RIP iOS 14.5 - we hardly knew ye
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
63 months ago
Uh, maybe mention the security fix that is included in the updates they released for iOS, iPadOS and macOS too as that's potentially more important than the bug fix...

"Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited".

In other words, potential zero-day.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)