Apple has released its brand new iOS 15.3, and here’s everything about it…
What are the compatible devices?
Apple iOS 15.3 is available for all devices running iOS 14, which means that it is compatible with the iPhone 6S and newer. For new iPhone owners, you will be immediately prompted to update.
However, you may also trigger an update by going into Settings > General > Software Update.
If you're running an older version of the iOS 15 beta (see the 'The Road Ahead' section at the end), you must de-enroll your iPhone to allow iOS 15.3 to be able to see it.
The Standouts
Unfortunately, the two apps, Unc0ver and Checkra1n, have cracked the latest iOS 14 releases, including iOS 15, so iOS 15.3 isn't available to users like you.
However, if you consider the features it offers, it could be time to reconsider your priority list.
In the initial 24 hours, iOS 15.3 makes a similarly positive impression as iOS 15.2.1. There aren't many complaints being made through Apple Support Communities or social media.
The most common complaints result from bugs that are yet to be addressed instead of anything revolutionary.
What do you get? What Can You Expect?
Apple iOS 15.3 is a significant departure from more than a decade of iOS conventions. Major point updates (iOS 15.1, iOS 15.2, and so on) include new features. In contrast, minor point releases (iOS 15.1.1, iOS 15.2.1, and so on) are confined to fixing issues. iOS 15.3 will be the only major release that we can recall offering only fixes, and the official notes for iOS 15.3 declare:
"iOS 15.3 includes bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone and is recommended for all users."
The fixes are important and worthy of mention. On Apple's official iOS 15.3 security page, Apple has announced 10-day patches, including two fixes for zero-day attacks that apply to every iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
This is the most severe type of breach in terms of a security breach because it indicates the vulnerability is known to hackers before the patch can be made available.
However, Apple acknowledges that it is aware that these weaknesses "may have been actively exploited."
Zero-Day #1 (tracked as CVE-2022-22587) is an issue with memory corruption that affects IOMobileFrameBuffer. It allows hackers to execute malicious code on your mobile device.
Zero-Day #2 (assigned CVE-2022-22594) exploits a security flaw that exists in Safari for iOS or iPadOS and allows users' names and histories of browsing to be monitored in real-time.
This is one of the initial Zero-Day iOS hacks of 2022, but it'll not be the last.
Additionally, iOS 15.3 also addresses security issues in ColorSync, Crash Reporter, iCloud, Kernel, Model I/O. And three more Webkit security flaws (the engine that powers Safari).
Perhaps the most interesting aspect that is present in iOS 15.3 is the size. In a release that is said to be limited to security improvements, it weighs 4 to 7 GB depending on the iPhone model.
We're sure there are other adjustments and improvements for this release than Apple has officially announced.
Our take on iOS 15.3 update
Indeed, iOS 15.3 has been released for little more than one day, and bugs are still likely to surface. However, this is a significant security update that has vulnerabilities that hackers are aware of.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you take precautions to secure yourself and your iPhone, iPad (and Mac) as soon as possible.
Apple has released the first beta version of iOS 15.4. The update follows the main point/feature-rich pattern that was prevalent in previous iOS releases.
It also includes the ability to use Face ID with a mask (without the Apple Watch), 112 new emojis, enhanced support for game controllers, and the long-awaited launch of Universal Control, among other things.
It is expected that iOS 15.4 will be released in the latter part of February or early March. In the meantime, we wouldn't be shocked to be able to see iOS 15.3.1 before that time, as Apple continues to refine iOS 15 following its disappointing beginning.
Winding-up
The new iOS 15.3 is a very crucial update that fixes a lot of bugs, brings fresh features, and provides new security patches to your device.
Thus, we advise all our readers to immediately update their devices so, they can enjoy a seamless experience.
