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iOS 15.3 update patches serious iPhone security flaws and fixes bugs

The iPadOS 15.3 update also fixes several security issues.

David Lumb Mobile Reporter
David Lumb is a mobile reporter covering how on-the-go gadgets like phones, tablets and smartwatches change our lives. Over the last decade, he's reviewed phones for TechRadar as well as covered tech, gaming, and culture for Engadget, Popular Mechanics, NBC Asian America, Increment, Fast Company and others. As a true Californian, he lives for coffee, beaches and burritos.
Expertise smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, telecom industry, mobile semiconductors, mobile gaming
David Lumb
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Apple has rushed out a pair of updates for iPhones and iPads that fix several security flaws, including a Safari bug that lets websites you visit see your browsing history and other personal data.

Both iOS 15.3 and iPadOS 15.3 fix the Safari issue, as detailed by 9to5Mac, as well as several other vulnerabilities within ColorSync, iCloud and other software as detailed on Apple's support page. Don't expect any new features, as these software updates just patch a handful of current issues.

Like all other iOS 15 updates, iOS 15.3 is free and available to compatible Apple devices: the iPhone 6S and newer iPhone SE (2016), and iPod Touch (7th generation). Similarly, iPadOS 15.3 is free and compatible with these tablets and newer: the iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro (all models), iPad Mini 4 and iPad Air 2.

To update your iPhone or iPad, head to the Settings app > General > Software Update and tap Install Now.  

Apple also started rolling out WatchOS 8.4 for Apple Watch users in an unrelated update that fixes bugs and improves performance. To update your Apple Watch, head to the Settings app > General > Software Update, or do the same through the Watch mobile app on your paired iPhone.