Apple releases iOS 14.4.1, watchOS 7.3.2 & macOS 11.2.3 with security updates

The news: Apple released a slew of security updates for iOS, watchOS and macOS on Monday morning.

  • So…what’s new in these updates? Apple says “this update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users”
  • Specifically, Apple has fixed a WebKit vulnerability that was seemingly pretty important

WebKit

Available for: iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation)

Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution

Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved validation.

CVE-2021-1844: Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group, Alison Huffman of Microsoft Browser Vulnerability Research

Our take: Looks like these updates were pushed out due to a potential security risk, but there isn’t anything else new to see here. Updating simply nets you better security on your device, which is always recommended.

watchOS 7 public beta released

The news: Apple just released the first public beta of watchOS 7 to public beta testers.

  • watchOS 7 includes new watch faces and sharing features, sleep tracking and hand-washing detection
  • This is the first time Apple has ever offered a public beta for watchOS
  • You can sign up for all of Apple’s public beta releases here

Our take: I’ve never jumped on a watchOS beta before, but I’m doing it this time around. I’m curious to see the hand-washing feature in action, plus I’d love to get more data about how I sleep each night.

watchOS 7: Every leak and rumor

With WWDC 2020 just around the corner, here are all of the leaks and rumors about watchOS 7.

More than 80% likely

From 9to5Mac (85.8% accurate):

  • Ability to share watch faces
  • New “Infograph Pro” watch face with tachymeter
  • New “International” watch face
  • New iCloud shared album watch face
  • ‘Parent’ iPhone can pair multiple ‘child’ watches
First look at watchOS 7’s ‘International’ watch face
  • ‘Kids mode’ changes move ring calories to move time
    • Rewards for playing sports or going outside
    • ‘SchoolTime’ allows parents to manage when apps and complications can be used
  • Sleep tracking with the ability to set personal goals
  • Added sleep mode Control Center toggle
  • Added noise detection Control Center toggle
  • Apps will no longer based on extensions of iPhone apps
Apple themselves leaked the Sleep app’s development

From MacRumors (83.3% accurate):

  • Free exercise app called ‘Fit’ or ‘Fitness’

From Jon Prosser (81.3% accurate):

  • New mental health features, specifically centered around preventing panic attacks
Concept: sleep mode and noise detection CC toggles

Less than 50% likely

From The Verifier (42.5% accurate):

  • “Fresh design,” with tweaks to first party apps
  • Not coming to second generation Apple Watch (2016 model)
  • Siri upgrades

A total toss up…

  • Support for Screen Time, link
Screen Time icon hidden in an early build of iOS 14, courtesy of @blue_kanikama