If you have not yet updated your iPhone to iOS 17.6.1, you should do so as soon as possible.

As originally reported by Apple Insider, Apple has released the latest patch for iPhone 17.6 in advance of the upcoming iOS 18 release. So this is a big one you want to address.

Updates of this kind tend to focus on resolving software issues rather than bringing many new features. iOS 17.6, when it was released, included more than 35 significant security fixes for users, as well as fixes for Kernal issues in the iOS operating system and fixes for certain WebKit issues.

In the past, Apple was considered immune to most Trojans and viruses, at least compared to Android and Windows. Recently, however, there have been several security breaches that have caused Apple to issue updates. For example, it was recently revealed that the new Cuckoo Max OS can hijack Macs and steal passwords. Meanwhile, earlier this year the first Trojan horse was discovered for iOS, which used stolen facial data to break into bank accounts.

It's hard to get excited about the new minor update to iOS 17 when iOS 18 is right around the corner; even with the bad news of the delayed release of Apple Intelligence, the new update still has some great features. For example, the ability to create custom routes in Apple Fitness and Apple Maps will allow users to close the move ring and take a break.

As always, we encourage you to update your devices to the latest iOS as soon as possible to protect them from the majority of threats. There is no doubt that criminals are becoming more sophisticated, especially when it comes to stealing our data.

For more advice on security, check out our list of the best anti-virus software and best VPN services to help keep your device and data safe.