March 19, 2025, 10:48 am | Read time: 2 minutes
In Germany, iPhone users are still waiting for the release of Apple Intelligence. With iOS 18.4, the numerous new functions made possible by Apple’s AI should finally be coming to the EU in April. However, Apple has now quickly pushed out an interim update that closes a serious security gap.
Compatible iPhone models are currently offering an update to iOS 18.3.2, which contains “bug fixes and security updates,” according to the description. TECHBOOK reveals what this means and whether you should install the software update straight away.
iOS 18.3.2 Fixes Vulnerability in WebKit
The update is a further security measure to protect against an “extremely sophisticated attack.” Specifically, it concerns a case in which attackers were able to exploit a memory access error (out-of-bounds write). This led to Apple’s WebKit browser engine being able to write data outside its buffer limits.
WebKit does not only form the basis for Safari on the iPhone but also for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and other browsers. Apple had already addressed the problem with the update toiOS 17.2. However, this was apparently not enough, as the zero-day vulnerability could still be exploited.
The following information about iOS 18.3.2 can be found on the Apple support page:
“Maliciously crafted web content may be able to break out of the web content sandbox.”
The company is aware of a report that certain people on iOS versions prior to iOS 17.2 could be the target of this attack. iOS 18.3.2 addresses the vulnerability “through improved checks to prevent unauthorized actions.”
The update also “fixes an issue that prevented streaming content from playing.”
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Should You Install the Update Straight Away?
In view of the serious security vulnerability that affects practically all iPhone browsers, the update is advisable. The update could also provide a remedy for users who have problems playing streaming content. It is only several hundred megabytes in size, which is why installation does not take much time.
iOS 18.3.2 is available for iPhone XS and newer. The same bug fix is also available in the form of iPadOS 18.3.2 for iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation and newer), iPad Pro 11 (1st generation and newer), iPad Air (3rd generation and newer), iPad (7th generation and newer), iPad mini 5th generation and newer. Version 15.3.2 is available as an update for Macs with macOS Sequoia. Older Macs with macOS Ventura or Sonoma can update Safari to version 18.3.1, which also fixes the bug.