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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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
- 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
-
Markets Are Quiet Ahead of Fed Day: Stock Market TodayInvestors, traders and speculators appear to be on hold amid an unusually fraught Fed meeting.
-
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the OBBB, Wealth Transfer and Early RetirementQuiz The financial professionals who contribute to Kiplinger's Adviser Intel recently wrote about the OBBB's impact on retirement, how to ensure your wealth passes to your family and early retirement questions.
-
T-Mobile's Free iPhone 17 Deal: A Smart Switch or a Hidden Catch?Receive a free iPhone 17 when you switch to T-Mobile. We'll explain whether the deal is worth it.
-
Is It Worth Upgrading to the iPhone 17?The iPhone 17 is here. Learn what's new, where the best deals are and whether it's worth the switch.
-
The Real Cost of Streaming Live Sports in 2025Streaming your favorite team keeps getting more expensive. Here’s the true cost of sports — and how to save.
-
Press Pause on Spending: Reset Your Financial Mindset with a No-Spend ChallengeUse a month-long spending freeze to break habits, reclaim control over your money and lay the groundwork for smarter, lasting financial habits.
-
7 Emotional Habits to Avoid If You Want Financial SuccessThe same traits that make people emotionally intelligent can also keep your money decisions on track.
-
$425 Million Google Class Action Lawsuit: Do You Qualify for a Payout?Google was found liable for violating the privacy of 98 million users in a class action lawsuit. Are you one of them?
-
Walmart Plus Members Will Soon Have Their Choice Between Two Streaming ServicesDiscover which streaming service is coming to the platform.
-
Amazon Ends Free Shipping Benefit Sharing with Non-Household MembersStarting October 1, Prime members will no longer be able to share shipping perks with those outside their households.
