Apple Drops iOS 18.4.1, macOS 15.4.1, and More to Patch Bugs and Boost Performance

April 16, 2025, Apple released a wave of updates across its ecosystem, including iOS 18.4.1, iPadOS 18.4.1, macOS Sequoia 15.4.1, watchOS 11.4.1, tvOS 18.4.1, and visionOS 2.4.1. These updates, available for all compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and Vision Pro devices, address critical security vulnerabilities and resolve user-reported issues from the recent iOS 18.4 release.

The iOS 18.4.1 update targets multiple bugs and security flaws, including a significant fix for a CarPlay connectivity issue that prevented wireless functionality in certain vehicles. According to Apple’s security documentation, iOS 18.4.1 patches several vulnerabilities, such as a WebKit flaw (CVE-2025-24346) that could allow malicious web content to execute arbitrary code and a kernel issue (CVE-2025-24349) that might enable a malicious app to escalate privileges. Apple reports that the kernel vulnerability may have been actively exploited on devices running iOS versions prior to 18.4, making this update critical for all users. The update supports devices from the iPhone Xs to the iPhone 16 series.

Similarly, macOS Sequoia 15.4.1 addresses parallel security concerns, including the same WebKit and kernel vulnerabilities, ensuring robust protection for M-series Macs and older compatible models. The update builds on macOS 15.4, which expanded Apple Intelligence to additional languages and regions. watchOS 11.4.1, tvOS 18.4.1, and visionOS 2.4.1 also include security patches and performance tweaks, though specific details on new features remain sparse.

These updates are available now via Settings > General > Software Update on iPhones and iPads, System Settings on Macs, and the Watch app for Apple Watches. Given reports of issues like restored deleted apps or thermal performance hiccups with iOS 18.4, installing these patches ASAP is a smart move.