In order to create the test case that you would automate, you first must create the repro scenario. IOW, automation has nothing to do with this until the bug is found in the first place. Arguably, one could create a test model that might have found this but raise your hand if you even know what I'm talking about when I say "test model".

The only mitigation that automation would bring is if the bug was found in earlier versions, and test case was subsequently written. IOW, and very much a generalization, automation is to find regressions. But if the bug is new...

(To be clear, this bug still should have been found. But automation is unlikely to have found it.)

If they are even a little smart, they'll now have a test for this ;)

I guess not. I recall reading somewhere that the Linux kernel doesn't even have automated tests. (edit: found the link: https://stackoverflow.com/a/3177643/96855)

Have you seen iOS11? Apple doesn't seem to value testing too much