Apple iPhone security flaw leaves millions of devices vulnerable to attacks

The Apple iPhone is the preferred smartphone in the US and one of the crucial used gadgets on this planet. An estimated 1.6 billion folks depend on iPhones on daily basis. That massive person base additionally makes the platform a major goal.

In current weeks, Apple has warned a couple of severe safety breach. New information suggests the danger might have an effect on round half of all iPhone customers.

That at present places tons of of hundreds of thousands of gadgets at potential threat.

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Apple is warning iPhone customers a couple of severe safety flaw in Safari that would depart tons of of hundreds of thousands of gadgets susceptible if updates are delayed. (Thomas Trutschel/Photothek by way of Getty Photos)

What Apple found in Safari and WebKit

Late final month, Apple confirmed two essential vulnerabilities in WebKit. WebKit helps Safari and any browser that runs on iOS. In response to Apple, the issues have been utilized in a extremely refined assault that focused particular people. The problem allowed malicious web sites to trick iPhones and iPads into working malicious code. As soon as that occurs, attackers can take management of the machine, steal passwords or entry fee data. Merely put, visiting the incorrect web site might have been sufficient.

Why hundreds of thousands of iPhones are nonetheless uncovered

Apple shortly took motion with an answer. The patch is included within the newest software program replace. The issue is that many individuals have not put in it but. Estimates recommend that round 50 p.c of eligible customers haven’t upgraded from iOS 18 to iOS 26. That would go away round 800 million gadgets susceptible worldwide. Information from StatCounter paints an excellent worse image. It’s estimated that solely 20 p.c of customers have up to date thus far. As soon as safety information turns into public, the danger grows quickly. Attackers know precisely what to take advantage of.

iPhone and iPad fashions are most in danger

Apple says the next gadgets can be affected if they aren’t up to date:

• iPhone 11 and better
• iPad Professional 12.9-inch third era and better
• iPad Professional 11-inch 1st era and later
• iPad Air third era and better
• iPad eighth era and later
• iPad mini fifth era and later

In case your machine seems on this checklist and you haven’t up to date it, it’s susceptible.

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New information exhibits that almost half of all iPhone customers worldwide should be uncovered to a essential WebKit exploit that Apple says was actively utilized in assaults. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto by way of Getty Photos)

Why upgrading is the one actual safety

There isn’t a setting that may be reversed and no secure searching observe that may remedy this drawback. The vulnerability is deep within the browser engine. Safety consultants say there isn’t a resolution or person habits that meaningfully reduces the danger. Putting in the most recent software program is the one efficient protection. Apple is now not simply providing a safety replace for customers who wish to keep on iOS 18. Except your machine cannot run iOS 26, the repair is ​​solely accessible by iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.

Steps to replace your iPhone or iPad now

Updating is fast and normally painless. If computerized updates are enabled, the answer might already be put in.

If not, comply with these steps:

• Open the Settings app on the iPhone
• Crane Basic
• Choose Software program replace
• Obtain and set up iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 or later

Make sure that your machine is linked to Wi-Fi and has ample battery life or is plugged in.

Professional tip: Use robust antivirus software program

Maintaining your iPhone updated is essential, nevertheless it should not be your solely line of protection. Robust antivirus software program provides an additional layer of safety by scanning malicious hyperlinks, blocking dangerous web sites, and alerting you to suspicious exercise earlier than any harm is finished.

That is much more essential when assaults depend on compromised web sites or hidden browser exploits. Safety software program can assist catch threats that slip by and offer you extra perception into what’s taking place in your machine.

Consider it as backup safety. Software program updates patch recognized holes, whereas highly effective antivirus packages assist shield in opposition to the subsequent one.

Uncover my picks for one of the best antivirus safety winners of 2026 on your Home windows, Mac, Android, and iOS gadgets at Cyberguy.com.

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Apple says malicious web sites can exploit a flaw in Safari to steal passwords or fee data from unpatched iPhones and iPads. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg by way of Getty Photos)

Kurt’s most essential insights

Apple hardly ever makes use of language like “extraordinarily superior” except the risk is severe. This flaw exhibits how even trusted browsers can turn into avenues of assault when updates are delayed. Ready weeks or months to replace now has actual penalties. For those who use your iPhone for banking, procuring, or work, this replace must be thought of pressing.

How lengthy do you usually wait earlier than putting in main iPhone updates, and is the delay definitely worth the threat? Tell us by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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