Overview
- Apple says mercenary spyware is actively exploiting two critical iPhone flaws and issued emergency updates ahead of the holidays.
- For iPhone 11 and newer, the security patches are only delivered by upgrading to iOS 26, with no iOS 18 update provided to devices that can move to the new OS.
- Adoption of iOS 26 is lagging, with estimates ranging from under 20% to about 60%, leaving hundreds of millions of devices unpatched.
- Security experts warn there is no meaningful workaround and urge immediate upgrading, noting attackers are more likely to target devices once patches are public.
- Until updated, users are advised to restart their iPhones to clear non‑persistent spyware, handle links and attachments cautiously, and consider Lockdown Mode if at elevated risk.