Last week Apple released iOS 16.2 and iOS 15.7.2. While iOS 16.2 comes with a bunch of shiny new featuresboth iPhone updates fix several security issues.
A number of factors will help you decide whether to update to iOS 16.2 or 15.7.2, but it’s important to know that you’ll need to upgrade to one of them. Indeed, both updates fix several major security vulnerabilities, one of which is used in real attacks.
So now we have established that you need to update to iOS 16.2 or iOS 15.7.2, which iPhone update should you choose?
The case for iOS 15.7.2
The case of iOS 15.7.2 is very simple. Until now, you could update to latest version of iOS 15 while remaining secure, no matter what model of iPhone you have. This is because Apple supports its old operating system with security updates as it does every year for a certain period.
Unfortunately, although iOS 16 was only released in September, this weather has come to an end. According to Apple support pageiOS 15.7.2 is only for older iPhones that cannot run iOS 16.
The list of models for which iOS 15.7.2 is available is as follows: iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation).
If you have one of those iPhone models that can’t run iOS 16, upgrading to iOS 15.7.2 is a no-brainer. The iPhone update fixes 17 security vulnerabilities, one of which is used in real attacks.
Tracked as CVE-2022-42856, this security issue – in the WebKit engine that powers Apple’s Safari browser – could allow an attacker to execute code on your device. Although the flaw patched in iOS 15.7.2 likely targets a small subset of iPhone users, it’s possible that other attackers could obtain the details and use them more widely. For this reason, I recommend updating older iPhones as soon as possible.
The case for iOS 16.2
The case for iOS 16.2 is also quite straightforward. The same significant security issue in iOS 15.7.2 was addressed in Apple’s previous iOS 16 update, iOS 16.1.2. If you haven’t updated this one yet, it’s a good idea to do so right away.
In addition to the issue fixed in iOS 16.1.2, iOS 16.2 fixes 35 other security vulnerabilities, … [+]
In addition to the issue fixed in iOS 16.1.2, iOS 16.2 fixes another 35 security vulnerabilities, some of which are serious. Six of the security issues fixed in iOS 16.2 are in the kernel at the heart of the iPhone operating system, with nine others in WebKit that could allow the attacker to execute code. Chaining together some of these security flaws could even allow an adversary to take control of an iPhone remotely, so it’s a good idea to apply iOS 16.2 when you have the chance.
If you are really against iOS 16.2, you should update to iOS 16.1.2 to protect your iPhone from the flaw already used in attacks. However, I recommend that you jump straight to iOS 16.2 to keep your iPhone as secure as possible.
The iPhone upgrade also includes new security features, including end-to-end encryption for iCloud.
iOS 16 is available for all iPhones from iPhone 8 and above.
iOS 16.2 or iOS 15.7.2: it depends on the model of iPhone you have
Unlike previous iOS 15 updates since September, the choice between iOS 15.7.2 and iOS 16.2 depends on the iPhone model you have. If you have an iPhone 8 or later and haven’t updated yet, it’s probably time to update to iOS 16.2.
However, if you have an older iPhone, you will want to apply iOS 15.7.2 as soon as possible to protect your device.
For iOS 15.7.2 or iOS 16.2, go to your iPhone’s Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts to download and install the software.
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