iOS 18.3.1 update released with critical security patch and bug fixes

Not all iOS updates are big enough to bring in new features. Every now and then, Apple will release a bunch of smaller updates which are usually full of fixes for known issues. One such update is the recent iOS 18.3.1. The update brings no new features, but still happens to be a very critical one.  

Here’s what’s new with the update and why you should install it on your iPhone right away. 

iOS 18.3.1: What’s new?

The new iOS 18.3.1 update comes with a security patch for a critical security flaw. This flaw, called a vulnerability in technical terms, allowed attackers to gain access to a user’s iPhone, even when it was locked.  

This could mean catastrophically bad consequences, from fraudulent money transfers to complete identity theft, all of which could likely have been possible due to the vulnerability. As per a report by Gadgets 360, Apple also confirmed that the security flaw may have been exploited to already target some individuals.

ALSO READ: Meet the ‘Special’ iPhones from around the world you didn’t know about 

Thankfully the vulnerability has been solved in the new iOS 18.3.1 update. All users with supported iPhones need to do to be safe, is download and install the new update which is sized at about 400MB.  

The update also comes right before the launch of the upcoming iPhone SE, which will succeed the iPhone SE Gen-3 from 2022, and is expected to come with the iOS 18.3.1 update pre-installed. The new iPhone will also be more affordable than the iPhone 16 series phones, and is expected to pack support for Apple Intelligence.  

iOS 18.3.1: How to download the update

As is the case with most iOS updates, the new one can be found as a card by navigating to the Settings app > General > Software updates. Follow on-screen instructions and after a reboot, your iPhone will be running the latest iOS version.  

The update is also available to iPad users as the iPadOS 18.3.1 update, which can also be installed from the Settings app. Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for more iPhone news and all things tech.