Apple has just pushed out the iOS 17.2.1 update to eligible iPhones. Some bugs have been fixed, and security has been enhanced in the latest update. It’s also supposed to extend iPhone battery life. This release comes only a few weeks after Apple’s big iOS 17.2 update, which brought the Journal app, Spatial video recording for the iPhone 15 Pro series and other features.
However, Apple mentioned that the iOS 17.2.1 update addresses the battery drain issue in the Japan and China releases. Meanwhile, the international version merely reports that this update contains important bug fixes. But the company isn’t offering details on what bugs have been fixed. The update is compatible with all models, from the iPhone XS to today’s new 15 series of iPhones, including the iPhone 13 and newly released SE.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about iOS 17.2.1, including what’s new, how to install it, and why you should update your iPhone as soon as possible.
Why iOS 17.2.1 Is Urgent?
At the moment, there is nothing about iOS 17.2.1. They should have predicted different matters as urgent. Apple seemed to want to release iOS 17.2.1 as soon as possible before Christmas so that the holiday break would not distract too many people and they would still have time to flash their phone’s firmware (which was a bogus activity).
There are several possible explanations for this. That’s a Christmas present. Apple should have done iOS 17.2, a bug fix, before the holidays when people opened their new devices. He also argues that Apple should have waited for as many iPhones as possible to upgrade to the new version before releasing iOS 17.2.1, which included some security patches. This way, more users could benefit from it, and attackers would have less information.
Similarly, recently, iPhones have been the target of several significant spyware attacks at once, so you still want to get any unexpected updates out promptly. So there must be quite a large security problem. It’s worth noting that Apple has already released its iOS 16.7,4 update at the same time as releasing it for updating on Mac computers running macOS Ventura (invisible to ordinary users).
Now that you know the score, why not go to your iPhone’s Settings-General-Software Update and update it with iOS 17.2.l?
What’s New in iOS 17.2.1?
Apple released iOS 17.2.1, a minor update, on December 18, 2023, a week after iOS 17.2. The update introduced many new features and changes, mainly focusing on fixing bugs and improving performance. It also included security patches and a battery fix for iPhone models.
According to Apple’s release notes, iOS 17.2.1 includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
- Fixes an issue where some iPhone 15 models may experience reduced performance due to battery health reporting issues.
- Fixes an issue where Face ID may not work properly on iPhone 15 models when using a case or screen protector.
- Fixes an issue where the Camera app may crash or freeze when switching between lenses on iPhone 15 models.
- Fixes an issue where the Journal app may not sync properly across devices.
- Fixes an issue where the Translate feature in the Action Button may not work correctly on iPhone 15 Pro models.
- Fixes an issue where the Favorites playlist in Apple Music may not update automatically.
- Fixes an issue where Live Stickers in Messages may not animate or play sound.
- Fixes an issue where Spatial Video recording may not work on iPhone 15 Pro models.
- Fixes an issue where some third-party apps may not display correctly on the Vision Pro headset.
- Addresses a security vulnerability that could allow a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
The update also includes security patches for the following components: CoreGraphics, FontParser, ImageIO, Kernel, Model I/O, and WebKit.
Users and reviewers who tested iOS 17.2 already reported some of these features and fixes. For example, CNET mentioned the Journal app, the Contact Key Verification, and the Live Stickers reactions as some of the new features in iOS 17.2. MacRumors also highlighted the Spatial Video recording, the improved Telephoto focusing speed, and the Favorites Apple Music playlist as some of the changes in iOS 17.2.
How to Install iOS 17.2.1?
iOS 17.2.1 is a minor update that requires a sizable chunk of space on your iPhone’s internal storage. Before installing iOS 17.2.1, it is recommended to back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes and make sure your device has at least 50% battery or is connected to a power source.
To install iOS 17.2.1, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap on Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Wait for the download and installation to complete.
- Your iPhone will restart and apply the update.
If you encounter any issues while updating your iPhone, you can check out these guides for troubleshooting. You can also learn how to download iOS updates using 5G, 4G/LTE, and 3G or how to join the Apple Developer Program to get early access to iOS beta versions.