In a quite unusual move, Apple has re-released iOS 17.6.1 with a new build number, 21G101, for iPhone and iPad users. This re-release is out nearly two weeks after the initial launch on August 7, 2024, marking a rare instance of Apple reissuing the same numbered software update so long after its first release. We earlier thought that Apple would be releasing iOS 17.6.2, but Apple surprised us all.
The updated iOS 17.6.1 is available as an over-the-air (OTA) download for most iPhones and iPads, but the iPhone 15 line is excluded from receiving the update automatically via OTA. Users of the iPhone 15 must manually download and install the update through Apple’s developer site.
While Apple has not provided specific details on the changes in this re-release, it is believed to address minor bug fixes. The original iOS 17.6.1 update included a fix for a bug related to the Advanced Data Protection feature, which had prevented some users from enabling expanded end-to-end encryption for various iCloud services.
Apple has also released updates for other platforms, including macOS Sonoma 14.6.1, watchOS 10.6.1, and tvOS 17.6.1. These updates have improvements and bug fixes, such as resolving access issues to Apple Fitness+ on watchOS.
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