New Apple iPhone Update Helps Protect Your Security
The new Apple iPhone update that hit phones recently helps protect yourself with security fixes.
Overnight this week, you may have noticed your iPhone changed. Along with changes in the appearance of app icons and certain Apple features like the Notes or Calendar app, the latest Apple iPhone update also included some critical updates for security.
Because of this, if you have an iPhone or iPad that hasn't automatically gotten the latest iOS update, you should make sure to manually set it up as soon as possible. The steps to do so are included in further detail below.
iOS 18 (that's the 18th version of the iPhone "operating system") first became available in September, around when the new iPhone 16 was announced. It included new features like updates to the Photos app and how messages appear, as well as an introduction to Apple Intelligence — artificial intelligence features, that is — for iPhone 15s and 16s.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Last week, Apple announced an update to the operating system, recommending users update to iOS 18.1.1 or, for iPads, iPadOS 18.1.1. That new update specifically addresses security bugs found in the first edition of the operating system. According to our friends at Tom's Guide, iOS 18.1.1 has critical security fixes that stop possible "arbitrary code execution" and "cross-site scripting attacks."
While I'm not going to pretend to understand exactly what that means, I do know it means protecting your systems. And, as Kiplinger has said many times before, with more of our financial lives moving online and to apps on our phones, it's vital to keep those systems protected from possible attacks, whether it's direct hacking into your accounts or presenting opportunities for identity theft and fraud.
Other ways to protect your finances from cybersecurity threats include preemptively freezing your credit and using password managers like Nordpass or 1Password.
If you're not already an iPhone user or if you're considering upgrading to a newer version, this week is a good time to look into it with various Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals going on.
How to update your iPhone or iPad iOS
If you have an iPhone or iPad that hasn't automatically downloaded the latest iOS update (18.1.1), here are three simple steps to manually update your device:
- On your device, go to "Settings"
- Click "General," then "Software Update"
- If you see an update available, click "Install Now"
iPhone deal quick links
Receive the Apple iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro or the iPhone 16 Plus for free when you sign up for the Unlimited Ultimate plan with a new line of service.
- iPhone deals at Walmart
- iPhone deals at Amazon
- iPhone deals at Best Buy
- Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program
Related content
- Get a Free iPhone 16 Pro With a New Line from Verizon
- Is It Worth It to Upgrade to the New iPhone 16? Well, Yes.
- Which Retail Stores Offer Price-Matching During the Holidays
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Alexandra Svokos is the senior digital editor of Kiplinger. She holds an MBA from NYU Stern in finance and management and a BA in economics and creative writing from Columbia University. Alexandra has a decade of experience in journalism and previously served as the senior editor of digital for ABC News, where she directed daily news coverage across topics through major events of the early 2020s for the network's website, including stock market trends, the remote and return-to-work revolutions, and the national economy. Before that, she pioneered politics and election coverage for Elite Daily and went on to serve as the senior news editor for that group.
Alexandra was recognized with an "Up & Comer" award at the 2018 Folio: Top Women in Media awards, and she was asked twice by the Nieman Journalism Lab to contribute to their annual journalism predictions feature. She has also been asked to speak on panels and give presentations on the future of media and on business and media, including by the Center for Communication and Twipe.
-
Six Year-End Deadlines for Retirees in 2024
Here are six key end-of-year 2024 deadlines that retirees and those saving to retire won't want to miss.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Roth or Traditional: How to Choose a Retirement Tax Strategy
When picking which type of 401(k) or IRA is right for you, consider whether you want to save a little on your taxes now — or save a lot more on them later.
By Nico Pesci Published
-
Get Amazon Music Unlimited With Audible Free for 3 Months
Deal Treat yourself to the gift of music and literature with a free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited. The service includes Audible, allowing book and music fans to save.
By Sean Jackson Published
-
Which Stores Offer Price-Matching During the Holidays?
If you’re searching for the best Black Friday deals, price-matching can help you identify the best of the lot. Here are the stores that do price adjustments.
By Sean Jackson Published
-
Is Black Friday Worth It or Is It a Marketing Mirage?
Is Black Friday still the best day for deals? We share top tips for smart holiday shopping.
By Jacob Wolinsky Last updated
-
7 Best Places in the US for Wellness Tourism
California doesn't have a monopoly on wellness tourism. These U.S. retreats offer exercise, relaxation and good food in stunning scenery that might be closer to home.
By Becca van Sambeck Published
-
Seven Luxury Places to See the Northern Lights This Winter
The northern lights will be at their most captivating this winter. Fancy making them even more magical? From hotels on ice to glass cabins and mountain yurts, here are seven places to see the northern lights with luxury winter stays.
By Becca van Sambeck Published
-
Limited Edition Starbucks Reusable Red Cup and More Holiday Perks
Get your limited edition Starbucks holiday red cup and enjoy festive drinks, extra rewards, and special perks for travelers on 11/14.
By Carla Ayers Published
-
Amazon Music Unlimited 3-Month Free Trial for Black Friday
Deal Get a free three-month trial Amazon's premium music subscription service for Black Friday.
By Sean Jackson Published
-
Amazon Prime Members Can Now Save Nearly $70 Per Year on Gas
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can now add discounts on fuel to your ever-expanding list of perks.
By Kathryn Pomroy Last updated