Apple Warns iPhone Users of Spyware Vulnerability and Advises Software Update

Apple has issued a warning to iPhone users about a newly discovered spyware called Darksword, which targets older versions of the iOS operating system released between March and August 2025 (versions 18.4 to 18.6.2). Cybersecurity researchers from Lookout, iVerify, and Google’s Alphabet division have identified this highly sophisticated malware, which can steal sensitive data, including emails, usernames, passwords, photos, and cryptocurrency wallets. Approximately 220 to 270 million iPhones are still running vulnerable older iOS versions. Darksword appears to be connected to previously reported spyware called Coruna, linked to Russian intelligence and Chinese cybercriminal groups, highlighting a growing underground market for advanced malware. Research indicates that certain groups are specifically targeted, including Ukrainians, Chinese cryptocurrency users, and individuals in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Malaysia. Apple emphasizes that the spyware only affects outdated devices and advises users to update their software promptly. The company has already released iOS 26, which protects against these hacking campaigns, and issued a special patch for older iPhones unable to upgrade fully. Experts warn that the tools used by attackers are difficult for ordinary users to detect, underscoring the critical importance of keeping devices up to date.