Apple releases security updates for iOS 18.4.1, macOS Sequoia 15.4.1

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AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iOS edited April 16

Apple has released security updates to its operating systems, including iOS 18.4.1, iPadOS 18.4.1, tvOS 18.4.1, macOS 15.4.1, and visionOS 2.4.1.

A Mac, iPad, and iPhone running macOS 15, iPadOS 18, and iOS 18
A Mac, iPad, and iPhone running macOS 15, iPadOS 18, and iOS 18



The small updates, released on April 16, are fairly common for software vendors to release, including Apple. The smaller change of version number reflects the content of the update, which is less about introducing bigger feature changes and more about bug squashing, performance improvements, and security fixes.

The notes for the updates state that they all provide bug fixes and security updates, with Apple recommending the installation by all users.



The build number for iOS 18.4.1. and iPadOS 18.4.1 is 22E252, macOS 15.4.1 uses 24E263, tvOS 18.4.1 is 22L261, and visionOS 2.4.1 is 22O251.

According to the security content notes, iOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1 include a fix for a vulnerability found by Apple and the Google Threat Analysis Group affecting CoreAudio. A maliciously-crafted media file could be used to execute code, and it has also been actively exploited in an "extremely sophisticated attack."

The second item is about RPAC, with an attacker having arbitrary read and write capabilities being able to bypass Pointer Authentication. Again, Apple is aware of a report that it may have been exploited in an attack.

The issues are listed as CVE-2025-31200 and CVE-2025-31021, respectively.

For the iPhone and iPad, the update can be installed manually through the Settings app then General then Software Update. On the Mac, it's System Settings, General, then Software Update.Software updates can also be configured to download automatically, saving users from manual refreshes.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    m4m40m4m40 Posts: 43member
    I hope this fixes the WiFi issues on 2025 iPads
    williamlondon
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  • Reply 2 of 8
    iOS_Guy80ios_guy80 Posts: 953member
    The HomePod was also updated. Surprised that the watch did not get an update.
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 8
    silberpfeilesilberpfeile Posts: 7member
    Hope macOS Sequoia 15.4.1 fixes the issue with MacBook Pro M1 could not update from MacOS Sonoma to Sequoia
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 8
    silberpfeilesilberpfeile Posts: 7member
    I came across this issue recently and waiting for appme to fix this. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256030216?sortBy=rank
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 8
    Penzipenzi Posts: 42member
    I have had issues streaming to my AppleTV from my iPad. Perhaps this stabilizes things. Not that it’s designed to, but weird things break and unbreak in some of these updates…
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 8
    mpantonempantone Posts: 2,440member
    It's a shame that there are no updates for the iOS 17.7 and other related OSes. Not everyone has jumped to iOS/iPadOS 18 or macOS Sequoia. I have two iPhones on iOS 17.7.2 and an iPad on iPadOS 17.7.2. There are also two Macs running Sonoma 14.7.5 in the house.

    Should I A.) assume that iOS 17.7 does not have any of these vulnerabilities (unlikely), or B.) Apple is just being lazy (jury is still out).

    Many of us are still deliberately staying on an older version of the operating systems for a variety of different reasons. My main reason is that iOS 18 is still too buggy. I might upgrade to iOS 18/Sequoia in June but I'll decide later. I have skipped entire generations like Crapalina.

    Apple is doing a disservice by not providing timely security updates to these older operating systems or at least offering some sort of communication confirming that these older OSes are not vulnerable. Not that Apple has ever shown any propensity to being transparent about security matters.
    edited April 17
    muthuk_vanalingamwilliamlondon
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 7 of 8
    Nagra178Anagra178a Posts: 2member
    Where is Apple Watch 18.4.1?
    williamlondon
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  • Reply 8 of 8
    mpantonempantone Posts: 2,440member
    Nagra178A said:
    Where is Apple Watch 18.4.1?
    Stuck on a build server somewhere in Apple's internal network. Don't worry, if Apple deems it a worthwhile release, you'll eventually see it. Patience is a virtue.

    Apple is notoriously opaque about their security activity. Nothing new there.

    Maybe these two vulnerabilities have little risk being executed on Apple's smartwatch. Maybe they don't even exist at all. Maybe the fix isn't fully baked yet. Who knows? Apple certainly does yet for sure they won't explain the delay since it has already been released for other device platforms.
    edited April 17
    Nagra178Awilliamlondon
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
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