Apple is about to issue iOS 17.6.2, a surprise new iPhone update launching before iOS 18 next month. News of iOS 17.6.2’s arrival comes via a report on Apple-focused site 9to5Mac, which cites a reliable leaker who has a private Twitter account.
The 17.6.2 upgrade will come with build numbers 21G101 and/or 21G102, 9to5Mac reports.
It won’t contain new features, so what could be in the iOS 17.6.2 update and when can you expect it?
iOS 17.6.2—Security Patches
Apple’s iOS 17.6.2 probably contains security fixes for holes in the iPhone operating system. If this is the case, the timing of iOS 17.6.2 releases makes sense—weeks before iOS 18, a major point update.
This is because many iPhone users will wait to update to iOS 18, preferring to watch for any bugs to be ironed out first. At the same time, Apple ‘s AI features in Apple Intelligence won’t be arriving until iOS 18.1 in October, which also lowers the incentive to upgrade to iOS 18.
It’s worth noting, however, that iOS 18 will also come with security fixes and will be the more secure operating system when it is launched in September. Once iOS 18 has arrived, Apple will keep it updated with a much wider range of security fixes, while iOS 17 will receive only important patches.
Apple’s iOS 17.6.2 might cover some of the security patches coming in iOS 18—or there could even be an iOS 17.6.3 upgrade issued at the same time as iOS 18.
iOS 17.6.2—Bug Fixes?
Apple’s soon-to-land iOS 17.6.2 could contain fixes for bugs in the iPhone operating system. Since upgrading to iOS 17.6.1, my iPhone 14 has been running well. But a few reports suggest there might be issues with notifications from apps, as well as battery drain. If that is the case, these bugs could be fixed with the release of iOS 17.6.2.
iOS 17.6.2—What To Do
It’s likely iOS 17.6.2 will arrive in the next few weeks, perhaps even this week, so watch my Forbes page closely and follow me using the button on my profile. When iOS 17.6.2 does arrive, you should apply it to your iPhone as soon as possible, especially if it contains security fixes. Check in your Settings > General > Software Update for the arrival of iOS 17.6.2.
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