Engadget Logo Engaget Japanese version iOS / iPados 14.7.1 distribution.Compatible with the Apple Watch unlocking problem of fingerprint compatible machines

On July 26th, Apple updated the system software for iPhone and iPad. They are “iOS 14.7.1” and “iPadOS 14.7.1” respectively. Updates are already available in Japan.

The data volume was 128.9MB in the environment I confirmed (iPhone XS, updated from iOS 14.7).

The update procedure can be done from the notification as usual, if the update notification is received. If you haven't received it, you can update it by checking from "General" - "Software Update" in the "Settings" app.

This update is mainly an emergency fix, as you can see from the version number if you are familiar with it. Therefore, iOS 14.7 (delivered on the 19th in US time) and iPadOS 14.7 (also delivered on the 21st) were updated in no time. iPadOS in particular is less than a week old.

Reference article: iOS 14.7 distribution started. Supports MagSafe battery packs, fixes several bugs (July 20th)

The main update is to deal with the "Apple Watch can't be unlocked on an iPhone with Touch ID", which was already reported in the official support document.

Since it also includes important security updates, Apple treats it as "recommended for all users".

Reference article: iOS 14.7 applied iPhone with Touch ID "Apple Watch unlockable" problem (July 21)

By the way, the bug fixed this time occurred on iPhones and iPads equipped with Touch ID, that is, fingerprint authentication.

Specifically, when unlocking the Apple Watch, the procedure of "unlocking the Apple Watch on the linked iPhone side", which is normally possible, will not be possible.

As a result, I was forced to do a rather troublesome task of unlocking by entering the passcode directly on the Apple Watch.

At the end of the above article, I concluded that "There may be an urgent minor update coming soon", and this fix was indeed very fast.

As a factor, it seems that there is also an aspect that it was quite troublesome for users who encountered it.

In addition, regarding the other "security update", it is a type of vulnerability with a high degree of severity if it is exploited that arbitrary code may be executed in an application with kernel privileges.

Furthermore, Apple acknowledges that the issue may have been actively exploited. From this point of view, it seems that this update is treated as "recommended for all users".

Apple's official release notes are below.

iOS 14.7.1 fixes an issue that prevented iPhone models with Touch ID from unlocking a paired Apple Watch using the Unlock with iPhone feature. This update also includes important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For the security content of Apple Software Updates, please visit:

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Source: Apple official support document