Originally published at: Apple Extends Notification Privacy Fix to iOS 15, iOS 16, and iPadOS 17 - TidBITS
In “iOS 26.4.2 and iOS 18.7.8 Address Notification Privacy Flaw Highlighted by FBI Case” (22 April 2026), I wrote about how Apple fixed a bug that caused notifications to be retained even when they should have been deleted. Apple has now extended that fix to older iOS and iPadOS versions, releasing iOS and iPadOS 15.8.8, iOS and iPadOS 16.7.16, and iPadOS 17.7.11 (there’s no iOS 17 update because all iOS 17–capable iPhones can run iOS 18) with no other changes. Check Settings > General > Software Update to see which version you’re running and which update is available.
This privacy vulnerability is not something most people will worry about, but anyone who fears a government agency might seize their device and extract sensitive data can now rest easier. So if you have an older iPhone or iPad that can’t upgrade past one of those operating system versions, install the update at your convenience.