Apple has issued a critical security warning to all iPhone users, urging them to update their devices immediately following the discovery of serious vulnerabilities. The tech giant's latest software patch, iOS 26.2, addresses a total of 27 security issues, with one particular flaw being exploited in highly targeted attacks.
The Nature of the Threat
While iPhones are often considered secure, Apple's policy is to not discuss security problems until after an investigation and patch release. This latest update, rolled out on 13 January 2026, highlights this practice. Among the patched vulnerabilities is a severe WebKit flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-14174, which could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a victim's device.
Apple confirmed it is "aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals." The company stated that this exploit, which involved "processing maliciously crafted web content," primarily affected users who had not yet updated to the main iOS 26 release.
How to Secure Your iPhone
The primary defence against such threats is simple: update your software. Apple explicitly advises that "keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security." To check for and install the iOS 26.2 update, users should follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
- If iOS 26.2 is available, tap Download and Install.
It is recommended to back up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer before proceeding with the update.
Device Compatibility and Next Steps
The iOS 26.2 update is available for a wide range of iPhones, from the iPhone SE (2nd generation) up to the latest iPhone 17 models, including all Pro, Pro Max, and Mini variants in between. The iPhone 11 series and newer are all supported.
For users concerned about their digital safety, applying this update is a non-negotiable first step. A complete list of all security fixes included in iOS 26.2 can be found on Apple's official security website. Remaining on an older software version leaves devices exposed to known and potentially dangerous exploits.
