Just a couple of day’s ago Apple introduced the next update of its mobile operating system to the world. And while to the surprise of many, no beta of iOS 10.3.1 was previously released, it does add something new. Something which 3.0 did not and that’s support for 32-bit handsets and tablets, but is that all that’s changed? Let’s take a look and find out.
iOS 10.3.1 What’s New?
Yes, the fact that the omission of 32-bit support on the previous firmware version was a pretty big mistake by Apple. However, it doesn’t seem like there a whole lot more changes included in iOS 10.3.1. Well, not the kind that you would notice on the surface.
Security Patch
Our first discovery that anything else has changed points towards work Apple has done on the quiet. This work was to plug what 10.3 had failed to do, plug security bugs. Unfortunately, there is no information as to which security bugs it was working to fix. However, as always, when completed, Apple is more than happy to share with us the results. As such, these are in the changelog, which reveals that fixing security bugs was the purpose of iOS 10.3.1.
What’s Been Patched?
The safety and privacy of iPhone, iPad and other iOS device users are paramount to Apple. As such the possibility of an unscrupulous individual being able to execute code across WiFi. Which, in turn, would lead to invasion of privacy and security risks was something it had to act upon quickly. And that’s other than the 32-bit support is what this latest update is all about.
In its own words, Apple said:
“iOS devices running software before iOS 10.3.1 may have allowed an attacker within range to execute arbitrary code on the Wi-Fi chip.”
The solution:
“A stack buffer overflow was addressed through improved input validation.”
Changelog Reveals
This latest update is ready to be downloaded and installed onto iOS 10 devices right now. So, if you have not already done so, it is advisable that you do so quickly, especially if security is a concern. Now, if you have a 32-bit iPhone or iPad, this update will offer you something new. It will enable you to enjoy the features of the OS only previously possible for 64-bit device owners.
However, if you want to know more about these features before making the leap here’s what you need to know about it.
Supported Devices
Support for older 32-bit devices that were not able to update to iOS 10.3 is included. These are iPhone 5 and later, plus iPad 4th generation and later. As well as 6th generation iPod touch devices, if unsure please refer to the official changelog here.
