Apple chip warning
Apple has issued a statement confirming that two flaws in Intel and ARM microprocessors have affected all iPads, Mac computers and iPhones. The company said that the Spectre and Meltdown flaws could expose millions of their customers to hackers.
To date, there have not been any hacks compromising any Apple devices. Apple also noted that the flaws do not affect its smartwatches.
However, Apple devices can experience up to 50 per cent slow-down when they undertake computer tasks that use a lot of network capacity or data storage as developers continue to eliminate the risks caused by the flaws.
Apple said in a blog post that it has issued updates for the iOS software used in its tablets and phones, the macOS for its computers and the tvOS used in its television devices.
The company also recommended that people using Apple devices should only download apps from trustworthy sites to avoid vulnerability risks.
Apple added that it will release an update for its Safari web browser in a few days.
Researchers associated with Google’s Project Zero discovered the Spectre and Meltdown flaws in June 2017 but did not report them publicly until last week as developers rushed to find fixes and prevent hackers from using them.
The two flaws affect all modern microprocessors and are a threat to most operating systems and computer devices.
Google announced that its Android phones are not affected if users have installed the latest security updates, and Microsoft announced that it has already issued fixes for many of its products.