Apple

Apple relaunches iOS 17.6.1, iOS 17.6.2 coming soon

Apple has to re-release the iOS 17.6.1 update to fix a serious bug. The bug only affects a few users, but has a significant impact on data security. The launch of iOS 17.6.2 is also imminent.

Update started in early August

Apple was forced to re-release the recently released iOS 17.6.1 update. Interestingly, the re-release is only available for certain devices and has the same name as before. The reason for this was a previously unknown problem with the Advanced Data Protection feature that only came to light after the original release. How AppleInsider reported, the re-release took place on August 19th, one and a half weeks after the original release.

The new update has the build number 21G101 and replaces the previous version 21G93 from August 7th. In addition to iOS 17.6.1, Apple has now also reissued iPadOS 17.6.1 and (for the first time) released watchOS 10.6.1 (Build 21U580) and tvOS 17.6.1 (Build 21M80). Advanced Data Protection offers enhanced protection for iCloud data through end-to-end encryption. Affected users who tried to activate Advanced Data Protection received an error message and could not turn the function on.

The case was even more problematic when users wanted to deactivate the function. Although the user interface indicated that Advanced Data Protection was turned off, the function actually remained active for iCloud data. Apple emphasizes that despite the error, the affected users always had the expected or even higher level of security. 

How to get the update

The update process for iOS 17.6.1 remains unchanged: users can download and install it via “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”. After installation, affected iPhone users will receive a notification asking them to confirm their decision to disable Advanced Data Protection.

It is not unusual for software updates to have problems after release that are only discovered through feedback from a larger user base. In this case, Apple reacted relatively quickly and fixed the problem within a week and a half. Nevertheless, it is critical when security functions do not work as intended or cannot be controlled.

First information about iOS 17.6.2

Regardless of the re-release, all users should receive another iOS 17 update shortly. Online magazine 9to5Mac reports, Apple is currently preparing to release iOS 17.6.2. Not much is known about the update contents of iOS 17.6.2. There are no new features to be included. However, it can be assumed that it will bring many changes under the hood that will prepare users for the iOS 18 update. At least that has always been the case in recent years.

The iOS 17.6.2 update should definitely be released for the iPhone before Apple releases iOS 18 – and that will probably be mid-September. 17.6.2 will come with the build numbers 21G101 and/or 21G102, according to 9to5Mac. The information comes from a trustworthy source, as 9to5Mac emphasizes. What do you think about improvements to operating system updates like iOS 17.61? Do you think it’s good that Apple reacted relatively quickly, or are you worried about quality control? And what else do you expect from iOS 17.6.2?