Apple promises fix for iOS 6 passcode exploit

Apple says it plans to fix the exploit that lets users gain access to a passcode-locked iPhone even if they don't know the access code."Apple takes user security very seriously," the company said in a statement provided to CNET. "We are aware of this issue, and will deliver a fix in a future software update."The company did not offer a timeline of when such an update would arrive, or offer guidance on any interim way to secure devices. The hack, published last month by a YouTube user, surfaced earlier today and opens up access to the phone application to listen to a user's voice mails, place calls, and view contact information. Attempting to go beyond that sends users back to the passcode screen.Apple's last update to iOS was 6.1.1 earlier this week, which was a supplemental update only for iPhone 4S users that fixed an issue with cellular connectivity and reliability. All other eligible users can update to 6.1, which added 4G LTE support for more carriers on Apple's newest devices, along with a feature that lets users purchase movie tickets from Fandango after finding showtimes using Siri.

Apple prepping iOS 7.0.3 for launch, says report

Apple pushed out iOS 7.0.2 last Thursday, but version 7.0.3 is already being tested for release, at least according to blog site Boy Genius Report.Citing information from unidentified sources, BGR said on Tuesday that Apple has already seeded iOS 7.0.3 to employees and partners for final testing. The exact launch date is uncertain, but BGR said it believes the new version will roll out sometime next week.After releasing iOS 7 on September 18, Apple deployed iOS 7.0.1 for the iPhone 5C and 5S and 7.0.2 for all iOS 7 devices. The latest version fixes a bug that allowed someone to circumvent the lock screen passcode.What new features or fixes might iOS 7.0.3 offer? Well, there may still be bugs to squash.A YouTube video posted on Sunday purports to show someone gaining access to the keypad on an iPhone running iOS 7.0.2 by tapping into the emergency call feature. Some iOS 7 users have also reported trouble sending or receiving SMS messages via iMessage, a problem that persists in version 7.0.2, according to AppleInsider.Apple may then jump straight to iOS 7.1 when it unveils new iPads, which is expected to happen at a launch event sometime this month.