Apple Releases Software Update for Group FaceTime Flaw Discovered by Teen

Apple released a software fix Thursday for the Group FaceTime glitch (see 1901290037). In the iOS 12.1.4 update, Apple described the flaw's impact, saying the initiator of a Group FaceTime call “may be able to cause the recipient to answer.” In the patch, it said: “A logic issue existed in the handling of Group FaceTime calls. The issue was addressed with improved state management.” The update is available for iPhone 5s and later smartphones, iPad Air and later tablets and the sixth-generation iPod touch. Apple credited Grant Thompson, the 14-year-old Texas student, whose mother, Michele, repeatedly pinged Apple about the flaw. The teenager could be eligible for Apple’s bug bounty program for bringing the hack to light, said reports.