Apple releases iOS 9.3, fixing a major iMessage security flaw

Apple has released a new software update for iPhones and iPads.

Users should update as soon as possible as it fixes a major flaw that could allow some encrypted content used in iMessage to be unscrambled.

The company said Monday that iOS 9.3 comes with a fix that would fix a flaw which allows images and videos stored in iCloud to be decrypted.

The research team which found the flaw, led by cryptography expert Matthew Green, were able to brute force techniques using custom-built software to unscramble cloud-stored content.

The iPhone and iPad maker confirmed the bug in its latest batch of security bulletins, which the company has now fixed.

The flaw was also fixed in OS X 11.11.4, which was also released on Monday.

iOS 9.3 also lands with a number of bug fixes and new features.

A new feature, dubbed Night Shift, adjusts the device's light exposure based on the time of day. Using your iPhone or iPad's clock and geolocation, the light shifts towards a warmer end of the spectrum, making it easier for the user's eyes to adjust for sleep.

Notes has been updated, allowing individual scribbles to be protected with a passcode or Touch ID, the in-built fingerprint reader.

News and Health apps also see incremental updates.

If you haven't already been notified of the new software, you can get the update now through the Settings > General menu.

For privacy and security, change these iOS 9 settings right now