Apple is ready to release iOS 18.3.1. This is a mysterious new iPhone update that includes security …(+)
AFP via Getty Images
Updated, January 7, 2025: This story was originally published on January 6th, and details about bugs that could pin iOS 18.3.1, along with iOS 18.4 features and iPhone security and information on privacy implications.
Apple is poised to release iOS 18.3.1, a new mystery iPhone update that includes security patches and bug fixes. This, according to a new Macrumors report, “cites analytics logs from websites that have become a consistently reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions.
The iOS 18.3.1 update will be hot right behind iOS 18.3, which includes some important security patches at the end of January. According to Macrumors, iOS 18.3.1 software updates should be released within the next few weeks. So, what does iOS 18.3.1 include?
iOS 18.3.1 includes security fixes
The iOS 18.3.1 update could be an Apple method of releasing some important security fixes, especially if the flaws are already in use in attacks. Apple’s iOS 18.3 already includes a hefty list of 29 fixes, including those for issues already exploited in Coremedia, tracked as CVE-2025-24085.
Meanwhile, the patching of issues with Mac and iPad at the same time has recently gained traction, so check out these updates now and apply them if they’re not already on your device.
iOS 18.3.1 can crush some iPhone bugs
Apple’s iOS 18.3 doesn’t seem to be a buggy in particular, and my iPhone 16 has been working fine so far. However, the iOS 18.3.1 release may contain some minor issues.
Some users have complained of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, camera app issues, and connectivity issues with Apple Mail app freezes. Others have been experiencing problems between bright and dark modes, increasing battery drainage, and app crashes. This is a number of issues that are limited to iPhone 15 pros, along with the plight of the control center and the general subtlety.
Meanwhile, in iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence notification summary for news and entertainment apps is temporarily disabled after an inaccurate summary. According to Macrumors, it is unclear whether iOS 18.3.1 will return on iOS 18.3.1 or later updates.
What does iOS 18.4 have and how does it affect security and privacy?
In about two months, Apple will issue the following major points upgrade iOS 18.4: Unlike iOS 18.3, iOS 18.4 is a major update to iPhone features, such as turbo-charging Siri, which allows you to interact with things on the screen. iOS 18.4 updates also include security patches, and Apple may issue the next round of fixes following the release of iOS 18.3.1.
Adding AI for everyday help with Siri certainly makes things more intuitive and the first notable advantage of Apple Intelligence works well. However, you won’t be criticized for wondering about iPhone privacy on iOS 18.4. How does Apple guarantee that your iPhone data will remain secure and private?
As Apple fans know, iPhone makers are big advocates for security and privacy, processing data on devices whenever possible and sending it to their own private cloud computing when needed. It also includes privacy controls to gain a partnership between using Apple Intelligence and Open AI’s ChatGPT.
iOS 18.3.1—What you need to know
Apple’s iOS 18.3.1 is likely to include both security fixes and bug squash, making it a iPhone update worth considering. There is a significant gap between iOS 18.3 and the expected release of iOS 18.4 in April, so an update was needed to sort out the issues.
I’ll update it as soon as I find out more about iOS 18.3.1. For now, go to (Settings) > (General> (Software) Updates) and follow the (Forbes) page to see updates.
