Apple is set to issue software updates to devices still using iOS 18 to protect them from an exploit.
Named DarkSword, the exploit can silently take over an iPhone when it visits a website infected with malicious code. From there, DarkSword launches approximately 6 vulnerabilities against Safari, allowing bad actors to steal data such as texts, contacts, photos, wallets, and more.
DarkSword was discovered a few weeks ago by the Google Threat Intelligence group, and reportedly, up to 270 million devices still run the impacted versions of iOS 18.
Now, devices running the newer iOS 26 are already protected against DarkSword. But in a more surprising move, this latest critical update from Apple is designed to protect vulnerable iOS 18 users who have not yet switched to the latest software version—potentially due to the controversial Liquid Glass overhaul or other reasons. (As a quick reminder, Apple jumped from iOS 18 to iOS 26 when it overhauled its software naming conventions last year.)
According to Google, DarkSword has been used by various hacker groups to break into iPhones in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Ukraine. MacRumors reported that the exploit kit was posted on GitHub last week, making it even easier for potential hackers or dark web criminals to acquire the code and target unsuspecting iPhone users.
If you still need to install the update, you can do so by going to the Settings app, heading to General, and selecting the Software Update icon. Those with automatic updates turned on will see the new software updated automatically.
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