With the release of Apple’s HomePod smart speaker imminent after receiving FCC approval, Apple has released iOS 11.2.5 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. iOS 11.2.5 update adds support for HomePod ahead of its launch.
The latest iOS update allows the setup of HomePod using an iOS device and automatically transfer Apple ID, Apple Music, Siri, and Wi-Fi settings to the smart speaker. It also adds news reading feature to Siri. You can say “Hey Siri, play the news” to ask Siri to read you latest news. “You can also ask for specific news categories including Sports, Business, or Music,” states iOS 11.2.5 release notes.
Apple’s latest iOS update also brings some improvements and fixes along. An issue that caused the Phone app to display incomplete information has been addressed, for instance.
iOS 11.2.5 Changelog
- Setup and automatically transfer your Apple ID, Apple Music, Siri, and Wi-Fi settings to HomePod.
- Siri can now read the news; just ask, “Hey Siri, play the news.” You can also ask for specific news categories including Sports, Business, or Music.
- Addresses an issue that could cause the Phone app to display incomplete information in the call list
- Fixes an issue that caused Mail notifications from some Exchange accounts to disappear from the Lock screen when unlocking iPhone X with Face ID
- Addresses an issue that could cause Messages conversations to temporarily be listed out of order
- Fixes an issue in CarPlay where Now Playing controls become unresponsive after multiple track changes
- Adds ability for VoiceOver to announce playback destinations and AirPod battery level
iOS 11.2.5 update also addresses a number of security issues. This includes a memory corruption issue that could lead to arbitrary code execution by processing a maliciously crafted audio file. Apple has also fixed three kernel memory leak bugs – CVE-2018-4090, CVE-2018-4092, CVE-2018-4093 – with the latest iOS update.
More notably, a security flaw discovered by researcher Abraham Masri that allowed a ‘maliciously crafted text message’ to crash the iPhone, has also been patched.
The complete list of security updates included in iOS 11.2.5 can be read here.
Whether you plan to get a brand-new HomePod speaker in coming weeks or not, the latest iOS update is worth installing on your devices to patch security holes. Go to Settings > General > Software update to install the latest iOS update.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said in an interview that they plan to allow users to turn off ‘intentional slowdowns’ on their iPhones. An iOS update expected to release next month could add this ‘feature’ thanks to Apple’s notable ‘kindness.’
