Apple Issues iPadOS 17.7.7, Urgent Update For Older Devices

Apple has released iPadOS 17.7.7 for users that can’t update to iPadOS and iOS 18.5. The iPadOS 17.7.7 update is a big one, because it includes fixes for 29 security vulnerabilities, some of which could have a serious impact if exploited.

Apple doesn’t provide much detail about what’s fixed in iPadOS 17.7.7, because the iPhone maker always gives time for users to upgrade before attackers can get hold of the technical information.

But what we do know is, iPadOS 17.7.7 fixes a number of flaws in WebKit, the engine that underpins the Safari browser, the worst of which is a type confusion issue that could lead to memory corruption tracked as CVE-2025-24213.

ForbesiOS 18—Here’s Why There’s A New Black Dot On Your iPhoneBy Kate O'Flaherty

Meanwhile, an issue in StoreKit could see an app able to access sensitive user data and a flaw in Weather could allow a malicious app to read sensitive location information.

Apple’s iPadOS 17.7.7 also squashes a serious bug in Security that could enable an app to access associated usernames and websites in a user’s iCloud Keychain. At the same time, the iPad upgrade patches three flaws in the Kernel at the heart of the iPadOS operating system, the worst of which could see an app able to leak sensitive kernel state.

Thankfully, none of the issues fixed in iPadOS 17.7.7 have been used in real life attacks.

iPadOS 17.7.7 Is Here, So Where Is iOS 17.7.7?

According to Apple, iPadOS 17.7.7 is for iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation, iPad Pro 10.5-inch and iPad 6th generation. If you own any other newer iPad, you need to update to iPadOS 18.5 to be covered for security upgrades.

The more eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that Apple used to release an iPhone update alongside iPadOS 17 updates, for users of older iPhones. Sadly, this is no longer the case. It appears that Apple has stopped offering the choice of whether to upgrade to its latest and greatest operating system, iOS 18, if your device is capable of updating.

ForbesApple Siri Eavesdropping Payout Deadline Confirmed—How To Make A ClaimBy Kate O'Flaherty

Many of the flaws patched in iPadOS 17.7.7 are serious, so it’s a good idea to apply the update to any older iPads now. Newer devices must upgrade to iOS and iPadOS 18.5.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download and install iPadOS 17.7.7 as soon as possible.