Latest Operating System Updates from Apple
Apple has launched security updates for its operating platforms, advancing to iOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 18.3.1, watchOS 11.3.1, macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, and visionOS 2.3.1.
While significant upgrades generally garner the most attention, Apple also frequently rolls out smaller point releases—a trend observed most recently on Monday.
Point releases typically don’t introduce groundbreaking features but often enhance performance metrics instead. For instance, the patch notes of the iOS 18.3.1 update highlight “critical bug fixes and security enhancements,” with Apple recommending this update to all users as a priority.
The security documentation accompanying this release mentions a resolution for a vulnerability that “could have been exploited in highly advanced attacks aimed at specific individuals.”
Additionally, such point updates offer an opportunity for Apple to provide compatibility with upcoming hardware products; rumors suggest that an updated version of the iPhone SE may be released shortly.
These latest updates coincide with expectations for new developer betas from Apple soon—this includes anticipated versions like iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 among others.
The build numbers associated with these updates are notable: both iOS and iPadOS are tagged as build number 22D72; macOS Sequoia’s version is labeled as build number 24D70; visionOS follows suit at build number 22N900; while watchOS stands at build number 22S560.
In addition to these upgrades for newer systems, Apple hasn’t neglected older generations—the previously released iPadOS has also received an update numbered as version build 21H420 (iPadOS 17.7.5).
Users of iPhones and iPads can manually initiate these updates via the Settings app by navigating to General followed by Software Update—if available, simply click on Update Now.
