Consumer Alert: Got an Apple device? Install the new update now! Here’s how

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Do you have an Apple product? Then stop what you’re doing. You need to hear this. Apple has found a flaw in its software that would allow a hacker to have full control of your phone, iPad, iPod or Mac. So it’s essential that you download the latest update now. It’s iOS 15.6.1

And just because your phone updates automatically, does not mean you’re safe. Earlier this spring, Apple admitted that at times it was taking as long as 4 weeks for phones to install new updates.

You cannot wait four weeks. You need to manually update your device now. And there are a lot of devices affected. Here’s the list.

• iPhone 6s and later models
• all iPad Pro models
• iPad Air 2 and later
• iPad 5th generation and later
• iPad mini 4 and later
• iPod touch 7th generation
• Mac computers running MacOS Monterey.

Here’s how you install the update manually

• Go to settings
• Then tap General
• Then software update
• Then download and install iOS 15.6.1.

Keep in mind that your phone must be at least 50 percent charged or plugged in and connected to the internet. The time it takes depends on your internet speed. With one of my iPhones it was easy. It took about 45 minutes to install. But with my second phone, I got repeated error messages. I didn’t have enough storage on my phone. So I went to settings, then tapped iPhone storage. I deleted all the apps I didn’t use. It took two hours to install the update on that phone, but it was worth the effort to protect my phone. Remember you can use your device while the update is being installed.

If you run have difficulty during installation, click here for help with troubleshooting your problem.