Apple has officially released the iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2 operating system updates for smartphones and tablets. According to the company's data, the new software version patches 163 vulnerabilities in iPhones and iPads, making it one of the largest patch bundles in recent times. The update is already available for download, and cybersecurity experts strongly recommend installing it as soon as possible.
Where Apple Found the Most Flaws: WebKit and Kernel
The largest block of fixes targeted the WebKit browser engine, with 34 entries in the fix list related specifically to this component. System kernel vulnerabilities also made up a significant portion of the patch, accounting for 15 issues. Combined, these two blocks form the backbone of the updated security package, as both the browser environment and the kernel are among the most attractive targets for attackers.
iPhone Duo Jailbreak: Most Flaws Patched
An important part of the update was eliminating vulnerabilities used for the iPhone Duo jailbreak. Researchers from the Calif team confirmed that iOS 27.2 closes most of the flaws that allowed malicious actors to access the device's file system. This reduces the risk of unauthorized intrusions at the file system level for owners of the respective models.
Artificial Intelligence in Bug Hunting
The bug-hunting methodology deserves special attention: Apple utilized artificial intelligence for code analysis. The company's acknowledgments section mentions researchers from Anthropic Research and OpenAI who helped uncover vulnerabilities. This reflects the growing role of AI tools in security audit processes for major software platforms.
New Features and an Alternative for Those Not Updating
In addition to bug fixes, the update introduces several new features. For users who, for one reason or another, choose not to upgrade to the new operating system version, the company has prepared a separate iOS 26.7.2 update with essential security fixes. Thus, Apple offers two paths: a full upgrade to 27.2 or a minimal patch on the current branch.
Why the Patch Must Be Applied Immediately
Experts urge installing the update as soon as possible: according to developers, there is currently no information indicating active exploitation of these vulnerabilities by hackers, but the mere publication of the vulnerability list makes unprotected devices potential targets for attacks. The longer a device remains on the previous version, the higher the risk that discovered flaws will be used in real-world attacks.
