Technology
Apple Issues iOS 27.2 to Patch Over 160 Security Flaws and Add New Features
Apple has released iOS 27.2 for compatible iPhones, fixing more than 160 security vulnerabilities and adding new options for Siri, Messages, Photos and other apps. The update addresses issues that could allow malicious apps to access private information, bypass privacy settings or use hardware features such as the camera and Bluetooth without proper permission. Apple said none of the vulnerabilities covered by the update were actively exploited by attackers. The release also adds new options for Apple Music, Podcasts, FaceTime and the Apple TV app.
The iOS 27.2 update focuses on protecting user data and improving app permissions. It fixes vulnerabilities in Accounts, App Intents, Photos, Contacts, Calendar, Maps, Shortcuts and Siri. One fix prevents apps from accessing private user information, and another addresses a problem in Hide My Email that could expose a user’s original email address. Additional checks stop apps from accessing users’ Photos libraries or bypassing privacy preferences, and prevent certain apps from seeing which applications were installed on an iPhone. The update also stops malicious apps from accessing the camera without permission or using Bluetooth without approval. Other fixes address denial‑of‑service attacks, unexpected app crashes and unauthorised code execution.
Apple added new Siri and Messages features. Siri AI can now recall previous conversations and draw information from Messages attachments, Calendar event attendees and voicemails. It also uses Safari history and Reading List information, and users can copy specific portions of a Siri response. A redesigned setting makes it easier to choose which apps Siri, Search and suggestions can access. Siri AI support now includes French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish, but is not available in the European Union or mainland China and requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
In Messages, users can receive contextual suggestions such as tracking a package or adding a dinner invitation to Calendar, and can enable or disable suggestions for Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Maps, Flights and Packages.
Other changes include: - Apple Music: a new black‑and‑white icon replaces the red design. - Photos: users can edit captions and comments in Shared Albums, avoid duplicate photos and receive reminders before albums expire. - Podcasts: the Home tab separates New Episodes from Continue Playing. - Apple TV: users can create profiles on their iPhone and iPad, including child profiles with content‑rating controls. - FaceTime: group calls now support Dual Capture on compatible iPhones, allowing video from the front and rear cameras to be captured together, and users can add a third‑party sign language interpreter or live captioner. - Apple TV app: Multiview lets users watch up to four live sports streams simultaneously for supported events. - Shortcuts: new actions and automation options are added, including an automation for when the iPhone Duo is opened or closed. - SynthID labelling is added for images created with Image Playground and certain edits made in Photos.
To download and install iOS 27.2, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If iOS 27.2 is available, tap Download and Install and follow the on‑screen instructions. It is advisable to connect the phone to Wi‑Fi and back up important data before installing.
Frequently asked questions
What vulnerabilities does iOS 27.2 fix?
It fixes more than 160 security vulnerabilities that could let malicious apps access private data, bypass privacy settings, or use hardware like the camera and Bluetooth without permission.
What new Siri features are added in iOS 27.2?
Siri AI can now recall previous conversations, draw information from Messages attachments, Calendar event attendees, voicemails, Safari history, and Reading List, and users can copy specific portions of a Siri response.