Apple Releases iOS 14.8.1, iPadOS 14.8.1, and macOS Big Sur 11.6.1 with security fixes
Submitted by AppleVis on Wednesday, October 27, 2021.
Apple has today released iOS 14.8.1, iPadOS 14.8.1, and macOS Big Sur 11.6.1, bringing several security fixes for devices not running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey.
As these updates appear to have been released to address a small number of specific issues, our expectation is that they do not contain any accessibility changes for blind and low vision users; however, if you notice any changes, improvements or regressions in your own use of these releases, please post a comment with your findings.
release notes
Apple's release notes for iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 simply state that the updates, "Introduce important security updates and are recommended for all users. Likewise, the release notes for macOS Big Sur 11.6.1 state that the update, "Improves the security of macOS and is recommended for all users."
How to update
iOS and iPadOS 14.8.1 are available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) via Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or via iTunes on a PC or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier.
Before updating, we strongly recommend making a full and complete backup of your device (either locally or in iCloud, depending on personal preference). This will ensure that, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during the update process, you will have a current backup on hand in case a device restore becomes necessary. Also, if using OTA update, we recommend plugging your device into a power source for the duration of the download/installation process, so as to prevent the unlikely event of your battery going dead during the update.
More information on how to update the software on your device is available on this Apple Support page.
To install macOS Big Sur 11.6.1, choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, click the Software Update preference pane, and click the More Info button to select and install the update.
More information on how to update the software on your Mac is available on this Apple Support page.