New bug fix patches are out for iOS, macOS and iPadOS

An update to iOS 16.1 is out. The same is true for iPadOS 16.1 and macOS Ventura.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple on Wednesday released iOS 16.1.1, iPadOS 16.1.1 and macOS 13.0.1 to fix bugs and close a couple of security holes. These updates don’t add any new features, but are nevertheless recommended for all users.

There are no such patches for watchOS or tvOS.

System software patches for iPhone, iPad and Mac

Apple is dedicated to getting patches to users of its devices. iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1 and macOS Ventura 13 were all released on October 24, and two weeks later come fixes for security holes and other problems.

With large updates, Apple is quite good about listing what’s changing, especially when new features are being added. That’s not the case with small patches like the ones introduced Wednesday.

The official release notes for iOS 16.1.1 and iPadOS 16.1.1 say only, “This update includes bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.” The macOS version is equally vague.

But Apple does describe in detail the security holes being closed by these patches. There are two fixes, both in libxml2, and neither are known to have been exploited by hackers.

How to install the iOS, iPad OS, macOS and watchOS updates

iPhone or iPad users can install iOS 16.1.1 or iPadOS 16.1.1 by connecting the device to a Mac, or to a PC running iTunes. Alternatively, an over-the-air update is also possible. That’s accomplished by opening the Settings app and going to General > Software Update.

Anyone with a compatible Mac can download macOS Ventura 13.0.1 now. Go to Apple menu  > About This Mac. Then click Software Update. Alternatively, you can install the new version from the App Store. (Note: At the time of this writing, Apple had not yet updated the version of macOS Monterey in the App Store. But it should happen soon.)

New bug fix patches are out for iOS, macOS and iPadOS