Apple releases iOS 18.7.7 to protect older iPhones from DarkSword
After the DarkSword exploit kit leaked, Apple shipped a security update for iPhones and iPads still on iOS 18.
What's new
On April 1, Apple released iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 to protect devices from DarkSword web attacks.
The exploit kit had been published openly on GitHub days earlier.
How DarkSword works
- It can break into devices running iOS 18.4 through 18.7.
- A user only needs to visit a website hosting the malicious code.
- Attacks were seen targeting users in China, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine.
Who is protected
- iOS 26 users were protected weeks ago.
- This update covers people who can move to iOS 26 but haven't, and older devices.
- Apple says Lockdown Mode also defends against DarkSword, and it is unaware of any successful spyware attack on a device with Lockdown Mode on.
What to do
Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install the update.
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