Apple Security Flaw Leaves 800 Million iPhones Vulnerable Amid Slow Update Adoption
NEW YORK, N.Y. — A significant security vulnerability affecting Apple’s Safari browser and its underlying WebKit engine has left an estimated 800 million iPhones worldwide exposed to potential cyberattacks, according to recent warnings from Apple. Despite the company’s rapid deployment of a patch in iOS 26.2 to address the flaw, only about half of eligible users have updated their devices, leaving a substantial portion of the global iPhone user base at risk.
The flaw, disclosed by Apple late last month, involves two critical vulnerabilities in WebKit, the open-source browser engine that powers Safari and all browsers on iOS devices. Apple confirmed that these vulnerabilities were exploited in highly sophisticated targeted attacks, allowing malicious websites to execute harmful code on affected devices. This could enable attackers to gain control of the device, steal sensitive information such as passwords, or access payment details simply by tricking users into visiting compromised websites.
Apple’s swift response included releasing a security patch bundled with the iOS 26.2 update. However, adoption rates have lagged significantly. Current estimates indicate that approximately 50 percent of users remain on older versions, such as iOS 18, leaving around 800 million devices vulnerable to exploitation. This slow update uptake is particularly concerning given the widespread use of iPhones, with over 1.6 billion active devices globally.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that the risk is not theoretical. The vulnerabilities have already been leveraged in targeted attacks, underscoring the urgency for users to update their devices immediately. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has also issued advisories urging users and organizations to prioritize installing the latest iOS updates to mitigate the threat.
The challenge of timely software updates is not unique to Apple but reflects a broader issue in the technology ecosystem. Users often delay installing updates due to concerns about device compatibility, data loss, or simple inertia. In this case, the stakes are particularly high given the nature of the vulnerabilities and the scale of the affected population.
Apple’s security team detailed the technical aspects of the flaw in a recent security update bulletin, explaining how the WebKit vulnerabilities could be exploited through malicious web content. The company reiterated its commitment to protecting user privacy and security, urging all users to upgrade to the latest iOS version without delay.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that cybercriminals often exploit such vulnerabilities to conduct phishing campaigns, financial fraud, and data theft. The incident highlights the critical role of cybersecurity vigilance in the digital age, especially for devices that serve as gateways to personal and financial information.
Users can check their device’s software version and initiate updates by navigating to the Settings app on their iPhones and selecting Software Update. Apple also provides detailed guidance on its official support site to assist users in safely updating their devices.
As the digital landscape evolves, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current software to safeguard against emerging threats. With hundreds of millions of devices still vulnerable, the window to prevent widespread exploitation remains open but narrowing.
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