DLNews Staff

Apple urges iPhone users on outdated iOS to update immediately.

Apple is sounding the alarm for iPhone users still running older software, urging an immediate update to protect against a growing wave of sophisticated cyber threats targeting outdated devices.

According to Apple, users operating on iOS 13 or iOS 14 are particularly vulnerable to newly identified hacking techniques that exploit weaknesses in older systems. The company is advising these users to upgrade to at least iOS 15—or preferably the latest available iOS version supported by their device—to safeguard personal data and prevent unauthorized access.

At the center of the concern are advanced exploit kits reportedly known as “Coruna” and “DarkSword.” These tools are designed to infiltrate devices through malicious web content, including compromised websites and deceptive links. While Apple continuously patches security gaps, older operating systems lack the latest protections, making them easier targets.

“If your iPhone doesn’t have the latest software, update iOS to protect your data,” Apple emphasized in its support guidance.

Recent security updates—released in March—address critical vulnerabilities and reinforce protections across supported devices. Apple confirms that iPhones running current versions of iOS, including recent updates to iOS 15 and later, are protected against these specific threats.

Importantly, any iPhone still operating on iOS 13 or iOS 14 is capable of upgrading to iOS 15, meaning no supported device needs to remain exposed. Users who have not yet updated may soon receive a system alert prompting installation of a critical security update.

Beyond software updates, Apple points to built-in defenses such as Safari’s Safe Browsing feature, which is enabled by default and helps block known malicious websites associated with these attacks.

For users unable to update immediately, Apple highlights an additional safeguard: Lockdown Mode. Introduced in iOS 16, this feature significantly reduces potential attack surfaces by limiting certain functions, such as message attachments and web technologies often exploited by hackers. However, Apple notes that Lockdown Mode is primarily intended for individuals who may be at higher risk of targeted cyberattacks, such as journalists, activists, or government officials.

While there is currently no confirmed evidence that these exploit tools have been widely deployed against users in the United States, they have reportedly been used in regions including Ukraine, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Malaysia. Security experts caution that such tools can be repurposed quickly, making outdated devices a universal risk.

The message from Apple is clear: keeping your iPhone updated is no longer just about new features—it’s a frontline defense in an increasingly complex digital threat landscape.