iOS latest update fixes 'text bomb' bug and brings HomePod support

Apple has released iOS 11.2.5 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that brings support for HomePod and introduces the ability for Siri to read the news (US, UK and Australia only) along with bug fixes, chief being the text bomb issue.

Last week, software developer and researcher Abraham Masri revealed a bug that would allow others to freeze your iPhone with a quick text message. When the recipient’s phone started processing it for preview, the device would start behaving weirdly including things like freezing, home screen crashes, or kernel panics. Thankfully, Apple's latest iOS update fixes this issue.

The update also introduces support for the upcoming HomePod smart speaker, which is set to be released on February 9. Also, it brings official support for podcast-based audio Siri news reports, a feature that first began rolling out on all devices last week.

When you ask Siri about the news of the day via Hey Siri or another hands-free method, the new feature allows the personal assistant to provide Podcast news from sources like NPR, Fox News, CNN, or The Washington Post. Siri podcast news is available in the United States, Australia, and the UK, the three countries where the HomePod is launching in February. Siri news can be accessed on devices in other countries according to Apple's release notes for the iOS 11.2.5 update, but content will only be provided in English and the feature appears to be incomplete in unsupported countries.

Other improvements and fixes of iOS 11.2.5 are:

- Addresses an issue that could cause the Phone app to display incomplete information in the call list

- Fixes an issue that caused Mail notifications from some Exchange accounts to disappear from the Lock screen when unlocking iPhone X with Face ID

- Addresses an issue that could cause Messages conversations to temporarily be listed out of order

- Fixes an issue in CarPlay where Now Playing controls become unresponsive after multiple track changes

- Adds ability for VoiceOver to announce playback destinations and AirPod battery level.