Apple has issued a major security warning, urging users of iPhone 11 and newer models to upgrade to iOS 26 without delay.
The company said it identified security vulnerabilities in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari and third-party browsers on iOS. According to Apple, a mercenary spyware campaign exploited these weaknesses to carry out highly targeted attacks on iPhones running older versions of iOS.
Apple confirmed that attackers used the spyware against specific individuals on iOS versions released before iOS 26. The company said the threat highlights the need for immediate updates to protect personal data and device security.
A Forbes report cited the warning, noting that the United States government raised concerns that nearly half of iPhone users have not yet upgraded to iOS 26.
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— Business Standard (@bsindia) January 14, 2026Apple said iOS 26 introduces stronger security protections. These include new anti-scam tools for calls and messages, enhanced fingerprinting defences in Safari, and safeguards against malicious wired connections. The update also expands Apple Intelligence features, allowing improved language translation, personalised image creation, and productivity tools.
While iPhones are often seen as more secure than many other smartphones due to Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem, the company acknowledged that advanced threats can still succeed if devices are not kept up to date. Apple urged users to install iOS 26 as soon as possible to reduce exposure to sophisticated cyberattacks.
