Every time a new version of iOS is released, users get antsy. Due to bad experiences in the past, many wonder if it’s safe to update to iOS 14.4. After all, if there are no major features, why bother updating at all if it means risking potential data loss or apps breaking? Unfortunately, the security-conscious don’t have a choice in the matter as iOS 14.4 patches some very nasty vulnerabilities.
Is it safe to update to iOS 14.4, or does it break apps?
Of course, iOS 14.4 is safe. No iOS update has physically harmed anyone that we know of, and no major apps have been reported to be incompatible with the new system software. There’s always a chance that an app that hasn’t been updated in a while may malfunction when used on iOS 14.4. However, we usually see major problems with apps when users update whole version numbers (e.g., iOS 13 to iOS 14).
One of the major purposes behind updating to iOS 14.4 is that it patches these security vulnerabilities:
- CVE-2021-1782
- CVE-2021-1870
- CVE-2021-1871
These vulnerabilities could allow hackers to gain privileged access to the phone’s OS and potentially access user data. So, in effect, updating to iOS 14.4 actually makes a user’s phone safer.
What devices can update to iOS 14.4?
Any device that can run iOS 14 can update to iOS 14.4. These are:
- iPod touch (7th generation)
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
We suggest anyone using one of these devices update to iOS 14.4 immediately. The vulnerabilities will likely also be patched for older devices. In the past, Apple has released separate updates to iOS 12 and/or iOS 13 when major security issues have been found. However, we don’t have any details on potential updates to older devices just yet.
