Apple’s iOS 14.4 Update: All You Need to Know

Apple has finally released the much anticipated iOS update. The iOS 14.4 update is recently here, this might be the most important update for iPhone users till now. The update address the security concerns present in the previous versions and brings numerous new features. iOS 14.4 is available for all iOS 13 compatible devices which means the iPhone 6s onwards and the 7th generation iPod touch.

How to update?

• To check which version you are using open the Settings app and go to General > About > Version.
• To download and install the update, open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update. Your iPhone will check for the latest update automatically.
• Once the update is detected, click on download and install
• Finally, enter your passcode

The Initial Report

As of now, the update seems to be working just fine. The reviews on social media and message brads have been positive. It seems the grave messaging bug impacting earlier versions has been addressed and fixed. However, early reports reveal that there are issues of performance lag, especially in terms of animation. This issue was present in the beta version as well. Additionally, the majority of complaints are about battery drain. This should not be an issue since after an update the system reindexes.

What is new?

The new iOS 14.4 update may not be as exciting but it does bring a couple of new features. After the update iPhone’s camera can now recognize smaller QR codes. There is now an option to categorize Bluetooth device type in Settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications. Whereas, Notifications for when the camera on your ‌iPhone‌ is unable to be verified as a new, genuine Apple camera in ‌iPhone 12‌, iPhone 12 mini, ‌iPhone 12 Pro‌, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

What has been fixed?

iOS 14.4 update was more about addressing the security issues rather than adding new features. However, the following issues have been resolved as well.

• In HDR photos taken by iPhone 12, pro image artifacts could appear.
• Updated Activity data would at times be not displayed in the Fitness widget.
• There were delays in typing and suggestions would not appear on the keyboard.
• The keyboard may not come up in the correct language in Messages
• After using Siri or adding directions on CarPlay audio stories from the News app would not resume
• Enabling Switch Control in Accessibility would prevent phone calls from being answered from the Lock Screen

Why was this update so important?

Apple has been urging users for quite some time that they should update to the latest iOS version as soon as possible. Most of the updates are quite self-explanatory but the real reason why this update was so crucial was hidden deep on Apple’s official security page.

This update fixed major security vulnerabilities. CVE-2021–1782, CVE-2021–1871, and CVE-2021–1870 are the three vulnerabilities that were fixed. These were known to hackers and may have already been actively exploited. Apple notes that “a malicious application may be able to elevate privileges,” and under WebKit updates, it says “a remote attacker may be able to cause arbitrary code execution.” After both statements, the update notes say, “Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.” Hackers could potentially carry out an iPhone data transfer.

Apple is yet to release a detailed report on how severe the damage was and it is unlikely that will happen until the majority of the users have updated to iOS 14.4.

Ending Note:

The iOS 14.4 may not the most fascinating update but it is notably more important than any of its predecessors. The security issues were extremely alarmingly and it is understandable why Apple was insistent that users should update as soon as possible. As of now, there seem t be now major drawbacks from this update hence updating would be a wise choice.