Apple this week released iOS 15.6.1 and macOS Monterey 12.5.1, both of which feature security enhancements. To bring these security enhancements to more users, Apple has released Safari 15.6.1, an update for Macs running macOS Big Sur and macOS Catalina.
This update does not come with any new features or major changes. Instead, it fixes a vulnerability in WebKit (the Safari web engine) that could lead to arbitrary code execution. This fix is available to those who have updated their Mac to macOS Monterey 12.5.1.
The following is Apple’s description of the update on its website.
"Applies to: macOS Big Sur and macOS Catalina Impact: Processing maliciously crafted Web content can lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of reports that this issue may have been actively exploited."
Apple attributes WebKit vulnerability exploit fix to an anonymous researcher.
Safari 16 Coming to Older macOS Versions
macOS Ventura is now available to developers and Beta users as Apple announces Safari 16 with several new features. the new version of Safari addresses one of the major complaints Web developers have about Apple’s Web browser, namely the lack of Web push notifications. This means that websites and web apps can now send notifications to users even when Safari is closed.
Other new features in Safari 16 include shared tab groups, strong password editing, improved CSS and passkeys (a new way to authenticate to websites via Touch ID without having to create a traditional password).
Once Apple releases macOS Ventura to the public, Safari 16 will also be available to users of macOS Monterey and macOS Big Sur later this year. Developers and invited users can now try Safari 16 Beta for older macOS versions.
As for the Safari 15.6.1 update, it is now available through the Software Update menu in the System Preferences application.
