Apple initially released iOS 17.6.1 on Aug. 7, but on Monday it re-released the update for its mobile operating system. The re-release doesn’t bring any new features to your iPhone, but it does fix a problem with an iCloud security feature called Advanced Data Protection.
To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Updatecrane Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the iOS 18 beta
Here’s what you need to know about the update.
What’s new in iOS 17.6.1?
There are no new features in the iOS 17.6. 1 update, either in the original version or the re-release. Apple wrote in the release notes for both versions that it addresses a number of bugs and an issue with Advanced Data Protection. Both versions fix an issue that prevented some people from turning the feature on or off.
Advanced Data Protection is the highest level of cloud data security that Apple offers. Apple said it protects most of your iCloud data, including your iCloud backups, photos and more, with end-to-end encryption.
According to IBMEnd-to-end encryption is a secure communication process that prevents third parties from gaining access to any data sent from one person to another. In Apple’s context, this means that even if data from your iCloud account falls into malicious hands, the other party will not be able to access it.
Is this the last iOS 17 update?
There may be more minor iOS 17 updates, but Apple is scheduled to release iOS 18 in the fall. While we don’t have an exact release date for iOS 18 yet, Apple historically releases major iOS versions in September. I wouldn’t expect any more significant iOS 17 updates, though.
For more information on iOS, read what came in iOS 17.6, my hands-on experience with the iOS 18 betas, and our iOS 18 cheat sheet.
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