On Tuesday, April 24, Apple released the iOS 11.3.1 software update for the iPhone, iPad, and the Mac, adding security improvements and minor bug fixes.
Update Fixes iPhone 8 Third-Party Display Issue
The new update fixes a number of small issues. However, the most important problem the update addresses is where the touch inputs become unresponsive on iPhone 8 devices that have installed third-party replacement displays.
The touch functionality issue surfaced after the release of iOS 11.3 about a month ago. After installing the update, several users who got their original iPhone 8 displays replaced from a non-Apple service provider started facing issues with their touchscreens.
Both users and third-party repair shops expressed their frustration over the issue and blamed Apple for doing this in order to prevent consumers from getting their phones repaired from third-party service providers.
Phones are likely to be damaged accidentally, and the handset's display often bears the brunt, prompting users to turn to third-party repair services because they're either more convenient or less expensive than authorized service providers.
As It turns out, the issue was caused by a tiny microchip in the display, which disabled the touch functionality after the update. Although the bug is now fixed by Apple, the company advised customers to get their devices repaired from authorized service providers that have access to genuine parts.
"Non-genuine replacement displays may have compromised visual quality and may fail to work correctly," the company warned in its release notes. "Apple-certified screen repairs are performed by trusted experts who use genuine Apple parts."
PSA: iOS 11.3.1 fixes issues with 3rd party display replacements https://t.co/61EV6aJobS pic.twitter.com/0p6mR2LYX7 — Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) April 24, 2018
Apple Releases MacOS High Sierra 10.13.4 Security Update
The update, which is the thirteenth update under the iOS 11 branch and weighs in at 49.5 MB, also brings a host of security improvements to the iPhone and iPad.
In addition to the iOS 11.3.1 software update, Apple rolled out a security update to the recently released macOS 10.13.4 update for the macOS High Sierra: Security Update 2018-001.
In its release notes, Apple has recommended the update for all users, as it is meant to fix two main security concerns related to Crash Reporter and LinkPresentation, both of which can be used by a hacker to gain access to a Mac computer.
Users can download the security update from the Settings app via General and then Software Update option.
