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Intel provides update on Spectre and Meltdown flaw patches as Apple stays quiet

Intel has shared an update today on its efforts to patch the major CPU vulnerabilities that came to light earlier this week.

The Verge reports that Intel says it is releasing updates for all machines that run Intel chips that ““render those systems immune from both exploits reported by Google Project Zero.”

More details include that Intel has now delivered fixes for more recent machines, with the expectation of patching 90% of processors up to five years old by tomorrow.

“Intel has already issued updates for the majority of processor products introduced within the past five years,” says an Intel spokesperson. “By the end of next week, Intel expects to have issued updates for more than 90 percent of processor products introduced within the past five years.”

The Verge notes how it’s interesting that Intel used the word “immune.” Spectre is thought to be a more complicated flaw to fix, possibly even requiring hardware changes. But hopefully Intel has found a way to truly make its processors immune via software.

While we’ve heard from a few sources that macOS 10.13.2 already remedied the flaws (or at least portions of them), Apple hasn’t made an official statement. It may be likely that macOS 10.13.3 includes more patches and Apple could make a public announcement then.


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Avatar for Michael Potuck Michael Potuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.