Published at 10:58 GMT on November 9, 2023, and updated at 12:13 GMT on the same day, Apple has issued a critical security update, encouraging iPhone users to promptly install it.

The update, labeled iOS 17.1.1, tackles a significant issue that led iPhone 15 models to malfunction when attempting wireless charging in specific cars. Users of BMW or Toyota vehicles reported the inability to use Apple Pay and other NFC features after engaging in in-car charging.

The update also resolves an odd bug where the weather widget failed to display the snow icon.

To install iOS 17.1.1 on your iPhone, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select General.
  3. Choose Software Update.

While the update is applicable to all iPhone models manufactured since 2018, only the latest iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max models are affected. According to Apple, “In rare circumstances, Apple Pay and other NFC features may become unavailable in iPhone 15 models after wireless charging in certain cars.” Although the affected car makes are not specified, users have reported frequent occurrences in some BMW and Toyota Supra vehicles.

Additionally, the update addresses the issue with the Weather Lock Screen widget, where the snow icon was incorrectly displayed as a file icon. Users observed a file icon and a dashed line through the weather notification.

To download the update, press the Download and Install button after selecting Software Update. The update size is relatively small, at 390.6 MB, making for a quick download and installation with a stable WiFi connection.

This update follows closely after the release of iOS 17.1, which included significant updates to Airdrop and the Apple Music Library. Its arrival just ahead of the anticipated launch of iOS 17.2 has led to speculation that Apple expedited this release to address the Apple Pay bug.

Apple has temporarily redirected its software engineers from upcoming major software updates to focus on rectifying existing bugs. The beta version of iOS 17.2 was made available to developers in late October, with an expected release in December.

Simultaneously, Apple has rolled out updates for Mac, HomePod, and Apple Watch. The Apple Watch update, named 10.1.1, aims to fix a prevalent bug causing sudden battery drainage. Some users reported their Watches losing a full charge within hours due to a software issue.