Apple Releases iOS 6.1.3, Fixes Passcode Bug

Apple released iOS 6.1.3 Tuesday, a software update that makes improvements to Maps in China and, more importantly, fixes a bug in iOS that allowed someone to bypass the lock screen on an iPhone and access the phone app.

Discovered late last month, the iOS vulnerability involved manipulating the iPhone’s emergency call functionality and power button to gain access to the phone. Specifically, someone would start to make an emergency call, and cancel it while toggling the phone’s on/off switch. Doing so would grant that person temporary access to the phone.

The iOS 6.1.3 is rolling out to iPhones now. You can check and see if the update if available for your phone by going to the Settings menu on your iPhone, selecting General, and then Software Update from the menu options.