Apple Releases iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1, macOS Monterey 12.5.1, and watchOS 8.7.1

Apple has today released iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1, macOS Monterey 12.5.1, and watchOS 8.7.1 for Apple Watch Series 3 only.

According to Apple's release notes, iOS 15.6.1 “...provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.””

The release notes for macOS 12.5.1 are similarly brief, with Apple simply saying that “This update is recommended for all users and improves the security of macOS.”

According to MacRumors, watchOS 8.7.1 includes “bug fixes and security updates.” It is only available for the Apple Watch 3.

As these appear to be very minor releases ahead of this Fall's major platform updates, our expectation is that they do not contain any accessibility changes for blind and low vision users; however, if you notice any changes, improvements or regressions in your own use of these releases, please post a comment below with your findings.

iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1 are available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update), via Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or via iTunes on a PC or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier.

Before updating, we strongly recommend making a full and complete backup of your device (either locally or in iCloud, depending on personal preference). This will ensure that, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during the update process, you will have a current backup on hand in case a device restore becomes necessary. Also, if using OTA update, we recommend plugging your device into a power source for the duration of the download/installation process, so as to prevent the unlikely event of your battery going dead during the update.

More information on how to update the software on your device is available on this Apple Support page.

To install macOS Monterey 12.5.1, choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, click the Software Update preference pane, and click the Update Now button to begin the update process. If other updates are available, you can click "More info" to see details about them and select specific updates to install.

More information on how to update the software on your Mac is available on this Apple Support page.

watchOS 8.7.1 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General> Software Update. To install the update, your Watch must be connected to its charger and have at least 50% battery power.

More information on how to update the software on your Apple Watch is available on this Apple Support page.