Still running iOS 18? Install this critical update ASAP

Apple released security updates (including backported patches for iOS 18) to mitigate the DarkSword exploit: a highly reliable spyware chain active since November 2025 that can infect devices via a malicious website, provide attackers with full control and data exfiltration, and erase traces of compromise. The exploit's source code was leaked and has been used by criminal and state-backed groups targeting multiple countries, so affected users are strongly advised to install iOS 18.7.7 (build 22H340) or update to iOS 26.