Apple has rolled out important updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac: iOS 17.6.1, iPadOS 17.6.1, and macOS Sonoma 14.6.1, bringing bug fixes and security enhancements, particularly in Advanced Data Protection. This is a lesser-known yet crucial feature, and it’s a good idea to check this setting after installing the updates. Let’s delve into the details.
Apple’s new updates bring enhanced security
Besides launching iOS 16.7.10 to ensure that older iPhone models continue receiving support and necessary updates, iOS 17.6.1, iPadOS 17.6.1, and macOS Sonoma 14.6.1 are the latest versions of Apple’s operating systems now available.
As always, these updates fix various bugs and enhance overall stability and functionality. But in this particular case, they also correct a minor error related to Advanced Data Protection.
And what is Advanced Data Protection? It's an optional but highly recommended system that extends end-to-end encryption to more iCloud services, including backups, messages, and photos. These data are normally encrypted securely using other technologies to facilitate access and management, but if desired, we can protect them with the highest guarantee.
Our data in iCloud has never been insecure, but in previous versions, specifically in 17.6, an error was identified that affected the ability of a small number of users to activate or deactivate this protection effectively. The problems manifested in such a way that when a user attempted to activate the function and the process failed, an error message clearly indicated that the change had not been made. However, if the deactivation failed, the interface erroneously showed that the function was deactivated, when in reality, it was still active.
Now, with the new updates, Apple ensures these issues have been resolved. And it’s crucial that, after updating our devices, we open the Settings app (System Settings on Mac), tap on our name at the top, go to iCloud, and there verify and/or modify the status of Advanced Data Protection according to our preferences.
Keeping our devices updated with the latest available versions is essential, not only to enjoy improvements in functionality and performance but also to ensure the utmost security of our personal information. A fundamental goal and commitment for Apple. It’s very simple: Settings > General > Software Update.
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