iOS 16.7.9, iPadOS 16.7.9, iOS 15.8.3, & iPadOS 15.8.3 Released with Security Fixes

Apple has issued security updates for prior generation iPhone and iPad models that are not compatible with iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6. Specifically, the new updates are versioned as iOS 16.7.9, iPadOS 16.7.9, iOS 15.8.3, and iPadOS 15.8.3, and include important security fixes making them recommended for all users to install onto compatible devices.

iOS 16.7.9 and iPadOS 16.7.9 are available for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPad 5th generation, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation.

iOS 15.8.3 and iPadOS 15.8.3 are available for iPhone 6s models, iPhone 7 models, iPhone SE 1st generation, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4th generation, and iPod touch 7th generation.

How to Download & Install iOS/iPadOS 16.7.9 or iOS/iPadOS 15.8.3 Updates

Eligible iPhone and iPad models can find these software updates available through the typical update mechanism on their devices:

1. Open the “Settings” app on the iPhone or iPad
2. Choose “General” and then go to “Software Update”
3. Select to download and install iOS/iPadOS 16.7.9 or iOS/iPadOS 15.8.3, depending on your device and software version

Newer model iPhone and iPad devices will find iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 available instead.

Of course if you’re running an iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 beta, you won’t see any of these updates either.

In addition to these updates for older iPhone and iPad models, you can also find MacOS Sonoma 14.6, MacOS Ventura 13.6.8, MacOS Monterey 12.7.6, iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, tvOS 17.6 for Apple TV, watchOS 10.6 for Apple Watch, and visionOS 1.3 for Apple Vision Pro. That’s a lot of software updates for a lot of different devices, so get updating!