Apple quietly tests the iOS 17.2.1 update, and the official version is expected to be released in January next year.

CTOnews.com, December 19 (Xinhua)-- Apple appears to be internally testing the iOS 17.2.1 system update for iPhone, according to log analysis on Macrumors. Previously, several iOS versions, including iOS 17.0.3, iOS 17.1.1 and iOS 17.1.2, appeared on the site's blog and were officially released by Apple.

IOS 17.2.1 is expected to be a small update, mainly used to fix some bugs and security vulnerabilities. After the release of iOS 17.2 last week, some users reported that the messaging app would unexpectedly disappear when the application icon was rearranged on the home screen. It is not clear whether iOS 17.2.1 will solve this problem.

Considering that there will be several holidays in the coming weeks, the official release of iOS 17.2.1 may be delayed until January next year. However, if there is a Bug that seriously needs to be repaired, Apple may also push updates ahead of time. CTOnews.com noted that although Apple did not release a minor update to iOS 16.2.1, the company released iOS 15.2.1 in mid-January 2022, which included a security fix for HomeKit.

IOS 17.2.1 is probably just a transitional update that paves the way for the upcoming iOS 17.3. It is reported that iOS 17.3 will introduce a new "stolen device protection" security option and re-enable the ability to collaborate to create Apple Music playlists.