iOS 15.8.1 & iPadOS 15.8.1 Security Updates Released for Old iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

Apple has released security updates to old model iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices running iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. Yes, you read that correctly and you do not need to check your calendar (or your eyes), iOS 15.8.1 and iPadOS 15.8.1 are new releases of system software for old hardware.

iOS 15.8.1 and iPadOS 15.8.1 security updates are available specifically for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone SE 1st generation, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4th generation, and iPod touch 7th generation.

These security updates are recommended for all users to install on their eligible devices, particularly since they’re not capable of running the concurrent modern releases of iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, nor iOS 16.7.5, or iPadOS 16.7.5. Given that Apple took the time to release updates to these older devices running three year old system software, you can assume the security fixes are important, and thus should be installed onto any eligible devices.

How to Download & Install iOS 15.8.1 or iPadOS 15.8.1

1. Open the “Settings” app on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
2. Go to “General”
3. Go to “Software Update”
4. Select to download and install iOS 15.8.1 update onto the device

The iOS 15.8.1 and iPadOS 15.8.1 updates are available only for iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), and iPod touch (7th generation). Newer devices will find either iOS 17.3 or iPadOS 17.3, or iOS 16.7.5, or iPadOS 16.7.5 instead.

iOS 15.8.1 & iPadOS 15.8.1 IPSW Files

• Updating…

iOS 15.8.1 & iPadOS 15.8.1 Release Notes

Release notes included with the update point out the updates include security fixes and are therefore recommended to install.

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

The related security note demonstrates the patches in these updates are critical, given that the update resolves an issue with potential web content disclosing sensitive information or leading to arbitrary code execution.

iOS 15.8.1 and iPadOS 15.8.1
Released January 22, 2024
WebKit
Available for: iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), and iPod touch (7th generation)
Impact: Processing web content may disclose sensitive information. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.1.
Description: An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation.
WebKit Bugzilla: 265041
CVE-2023-42916: Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group

WebKit
Available for: iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), and iPod touch (7th generation)
Impact: Processing web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.1.
Description: A memory corruption vulnerability was addressed with improved locking.
WebKit Bugzilla: 265067
CVE-2023-42917: Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group

Separately, many other Apple devices have received software updates recently, so be sure to check your other gear.