Apple has released a small bug fix and security update for its platforms, but they’re worth downloading.

iOS/iPadOS 15.4.1 – Battery drain and Braille issues

iPad and iPhones are getting a fix for an issues causing the battery to drain faster than expected. While not a huge issue, I’ve noticed my own iPhone draining faster since the 15.4 update, so we’ll see if it fixes that. Likewise users with Braille Displays going unresponsive should also see some fixes.

There are also some fixes for third-party hardware, though it’s different for Mac than iOS. iPhone and iPad users are getting a fix for MFi hearing devices (dedicated iOS compatible hearing aids, etc.) randomly losing connection.

There is also security fix for an audio/video system Apple uses that could cause a malicious video or audio file to hack your system. That’s never good.

Full patch notes for iPad and iOS are as follows

iPhone

This update includes the following bug fixes for your iPhone:

• Battery may drain more quickly than expected after updating to iOS 15.4
• Braille devices may become unresponsive while navigating text or displaying an alert
• Made for iPhone hearing devices may lose connection within some third-party apps

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iPad

This update includes the following bug fixes for your iPad:

• Battery may drain more quickly than expected after updating to iPadOS 15.4
• Braille devices may become unresponsive while navigating text or displaying an alert
• Made for iPad hearing devices may lose connection within some third-party apps

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Mac OS Monterey 12.3.1

If you’re a user of a Mac Mini from 2018, and you’ve been using a Thunderbolt or USB-C monitor, have I got good news for you! Apple has provided a fix for such monitors that wouldn’t turn on when connected to said Mini.

Like it’s iOS cousins, some Macs would have issues with Bluetooth devices losing connection when you started playing audio, though strangely specifically through Beats headphones. If you’ve been having any trouble with Bluetooth, then you might want to check this one out.

Lastly, while Monterey has the same audio/video security fix, there is also a fix for Intel-based graphics chips. So if you’re using an Intel Mac, you have an additional reason to upgrade.

Full patch notes are as follows:

macOS Monterey 12.3.1 includes bug fixes and security updates for your Mac.

This update fixes the following issues:

• USB-C or Thunderbolt external display does not turn on when connected to Mac mini (2018) as a second display
• Bluetooth devices, such as game controllers, may disconnect from your Mac after playing audio through some Beats headphones

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

WatchOS 8.5.1 – Nothing to see here

Apple has once again pushed a fix with no explicit patch notes. The security page also doesn’t show any security problems being patched. Hopefully some enterprising members of the community can reverse engineer this and tell us more.

Full patches notes are as follows (for what it’s worth):

watchOS 8.5.1 includes security updates and bug fixes for your Apple Watch.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/HT201222

Apple TV – Back to being more stable:

Apple’s update to the TV is back to saying it’s making the box more stable, despite not saying what it’s fixing. Like the Watch, it also doesn’t have any security patches listed, which is especially strange given the AV codec that is fixed on iOS and Mac, and the Apple TV’s whole shtick is playing audio and video.

HomePod – Siri and Homekit

The Homepod gets a fix for some devices in your HomeKit not responding to Siri. It also say bug fixes, but no other details. Also, strangely, no listing even on the Apple Security page to say whether or not it had security fixes. Perhaps its delayed or perhaps Apple is waiting on other stuff to fix to reveal a security problem. Hard to say.

Software version 15.4.1 addresses an issue where some HomeKit-enabled accessories could fail to respond when controlled via Siri. This update also includes bug fixes for your HomePod.

Other Notes:

Some strange things to note here: No security fixes for Big Sur or Catalina, meaning that they’re either not ready at this time or those earlier systems are not affected. No listing for the HomePod on the security page, not listing of bug fixes for the Apple Watch. The Apple TV isn’t affected by an AV bug.

Not going to lie, some of the updates from Apple lately have just seemed a little odd. I’m glad they’re trying to stay on top of security and address accessibility problems directly in updates. That said, I hope these are just hiccups leading into better update and security processes.