iOS 14.8 would not embody many new options, nevertheless it does repair a safety vulnerability.
James Martin/CNET
Apple’s iOS 14.8 was launched on Monday, and the small replace comprises an enormous safety repair. The most recent model of Apple’s cellular working system repairs a vulnerability reportedly exploited by invasive adware referred to as Pegasus that may doubtlessly flip in your telephone’s digicam and microphone, and document messages, texts, emails and calls. (Although the percentages of your iPhone or iPad being contaminated are low, you possibly can nonetheless test to be sure that your telephone will not be contaminated with Pegasus adware — this is how.)
Whereas iOS 14.7 introduced some helpful new options like MagSafe battery pack assist for the iPhone 12 and managing timers in your HomePod, iOS 14.8 is only a safety repair. It arrives proper earlier than iOS 15 is mostly obtainable to obtain on Monday, Sept. 20 (this is how you can obtain iOS 15 and iPadOS 15), and Apple releases the iPhone 13, new iPads and the Apple Watch Sequence 7.
Here is what it is advisable find out about iOS 14.8. Plus, take a look at all the pieces to find out about Apple’s upcoming iOS 15 replace.
iOS 14.8 is now obtainable.
Patrick Holland/CNET
The way to obtain iOS 14.8 now
Since Apple launched iOS 14.8 to the general public, you need to get a immediate telling you that iOS 14.8 is now obtainable and asking if you would like to obtain it. Or you are able to do the next:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Choose Basic.
3. Faucet Software program Replace.
Your machine will hook up with Apple’s servers and immediate you to obtain and set up the replace. Observe the prompts to finish the set up. When your machine reboots, it is going to be operating iOS 14.8. (Try our full directions on getting ready your telephone and downloading iOS 14 right here.)
What gadgets does iOS 14.8 work on?
iOS 14.8 is appropriate with all the identical gadgets as iOS 14. Usually, these embody the iPhone 6S all the way in which up by way of the iPhone 12, together with the iPhone SE and the seventh-gen iPod Contact. For the full checklist of gadgets appropriate with iOS 14, click on right here.
You’ll obtain iOS 14.8 on the iPhone 6S by way of the iPhone 12, pictured right here.
Sarah Tew/CNET
iOS 14.8: Safety repair and new options
The most recent working software program replace is just meant to repair the safety flaw that the Pegasus adware might exploit — it would not carry any new options to your iPhone.
Pegasus was created by Israel-based cybersecurity firm NSO Group, with the intention of serving to governments pursue criminals and terrorists, CNET’s Stephen Shankland reported. However in July, researchers discovered proof of tried or profitable installations of Pegasus on 37 telephones of activists, journalists and businesspeople — and all however three of the gadgets have been iPhones. It is one other instance of how weak we may be to digital spying, even with safety protections in place.
Once more, it is unlikely that your iPhone could be focused by Pegasus, significantly with the iOS 14.8 patch, however you possibly can test to verify right here.
For extra, take a look at a number of the greatest hidden iPhone options we have present in iOS 14. And earlier than you make any OS updates, be sure that your iPhone and iPad are prepared to take action.