Apple Urges iPhone Users Running Outdated iOS Versions to Update Immediately

Source: MacRumors

Background

Apple has highlighted recent reports of hacking tools that target older iOS versions. In a support document, Apple notes that exploit kits known as “Coruna” and “DarkSword” can abuse vulnerabilities in iOS 13 through iOS 17.2.1.

“If your iPhone doesn’t have the latest software, update iOS to protect your data,” Apple says.

Recommended Action

Apple released new iOS 15 and iOS 16 updates on March 11 2026 to address the security issue. Devices still running iOS 13 or iOS 14 are urged to upgrade to iOS 15. Users with iOS 15 through iOS 26 are already protected.

All iPhones that can run iOS 13 or iOS 14 are eligible for an upgrade to iOS 15; there are no models for which those versions are the final release. iPhone users on outdated software will receive an additional alert to install a Critical Security Update in the coming days.

Protection Features

• Apple Safe Browsing (enabled by default in Safari) blocks the malicious URL domains identified in the attacks.
• Lockdown Mode (available in iOS 16 or later) offers extra protection for devices that cannot be updated. It blocks vectors such as images in Messages and malicious websites.

Lockdown Mode is intended for individuals at risk of state‑sponsored attacks and is not meant for everyday users. While there is no evidence the hacking tools have targeted users in the United States, they have been observed in Ukraine, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Malaysia, affecting anyone running an out‑of‑date iOS version.