Apple has rolled out a security update to older iPhones and iPads that protects it from a leaked suite of powerful hacking tools that could steal data from a person’s device.
This was announced by the technology giant on Wednesday Released iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 to allow a wider variety of devices to “get critical security protection against web attacks called DarkSword.”
DarkSword is a hacking toolkit that can be used to jailbreak Apple devices running iOS 18.4 to 18.7 by simply visiting a website that hosts malicious code, such as legitimate websites that have themselves been compromised. The exploits steal device data, including a person’s messages, browser history, location data, and cryptocurrency, and upload the data to a server hosted by hackers.
The tools have already been seen in certain attacks targeting users in China, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. But now tools are published onlinesecurity researchers warn anyone can use it These hacks are meant to target people running older versions of Apple’s mobile software.
Apple says users running its latest software, iOS 26, were protected weeks ago. The company has also released a new update for iOS 18 users with iPhones and iPads that cannot run iOS 26.
But with Wednesday’s update, Apple has now provided DarkSword fixes for the millions of users who could have updated to iOS 26 but chose not to. Some users chose not to update to avoid the app’s new “liquid glass” interface drew user complaints.
On Wednesday, Wired reported that Apple is preparing release the update.
Apple customers who have automatic software updates turned on should purchase the new software. Apple said its additional security protection feature, Lockdown Mode, also protects against DarkSword attacks. Company he told TechCrunch last week That the government is not aware of any successful spyware attack against an Apple device running in lockdown mode.
