Today Apple released iOS 9.3.5, an essential update for all iOS devices, meaning iPhones, iPads and iPods. Apple didn’t add any new features as part of this software update, but instead fixed at least one, possibly 3 major security vulnerabilities have been addressed in this iOS 9.3.5 update, so it is highly recommended that you upgrade.
According to The New York Times, an Israeli mobile device surveillance software company called the ‘NSO Group‘ reportedly took advantage of several iOS security vulnerabilities to spy on journalists and government officials. Citizen Lab detailed how special spyware can take advantage of three previously unknown vulnerabilities in Apple’s mobile software. These vulnerabilities allowed the NSO Group to read text messages and emails. And they were able to track sounds, user locations, phone calls and details about contacts. Apple patched the security vulnerability about 10 days after receiving a warning notice from Bill Marczak and John Scott-Railton of The Citizen Lab.
iOS 9.3.5 is the fifth update to iOS 9.3. Released in March 2016, iOS 9.3 was a major update that included features like Night Shift, Touch ID support for Notes, additional News app personalization features, new Education apps, new Health app categories and Music app enhancements.
iOS 10 is expected to be released next month to coincide with the launch of the iPhone 7, which is widely reported as launching ‘mid-September’. Many of the stock apps built into iOS will be revamped in iOS 10.