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Apple's Latest iOS Update Fixes a Scary FaceTime Bug

The vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to 'initiate a FaceTime call using arbitrary code execution.' Meanwhile, Apple has also released updates for macOS, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

Angela Moscaritolo
 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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If you use an iPhone or iPad, you'll definitely want to grab Apple's latest software update as soon as possible, if you haven't already.

Released Tuesday, iOS 12.1.3 doesn't deliver any new features, but fixes a number of bugs and security vulnerabilities, including a scary FaceTime flaw.

According to Apple's release notes about the security fixes, the FaceTime vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to "initiate a FaceTime call using arbitrary code execution." The bug affects iPhone 5s and later, iPad Air and later, and the sixth-generation iPod touch.

A separate Bluetooth flaw affecting the same devices could allow "an attacker in a privileged network position … to execute arbitrary code," Apple wrote. To read about the other security vulnerabilities addressed in this update, head here.

Besides that, the update addresses several benign but annoying bugs that impacted scrolling through photos in the Details view in Messages, caused "striped artifacts" to appear on photos, caused audio distortion on iPad Pro, and caused some CarPlay systems to disconnect from iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max.

iOS 12.1.3 also fixes two irritating HomePod bugs that caused the smart speaker to restart and caused Siri to stop listening.

Meanwhile, Apple on Tuesday also released software updates for macOS (version 10.14.3), Apple TV (tvOS 12.1.2), and Apple Watch (watchOS 5.1.3), so be sure to grab them as well if you use any of those devices.

In a Tuesday advisory, US-CERT noted that some of the vulnerabilities addressed Apple's latest security updates could allow a remote attacker to take control of an affected system. The organization encouraged users to review and apply the fixes.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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