Apple releases urgent iOS 18.7.7 update to fix DarkSword data theft risk

Apple is releasing an emergency update to millions of iPhones and iPads. This is to protect your data from a new cyber threat called DarkSword.
By Newsroom | Technology, Security |

Urgent Software Deployment for Millions

Apple has issued an emergency software update, iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7, to a broad spectrum of its devices. This deployment aims to provide critical defenses against a cyberattack methodology designated as 'DarkSword.' The company has also begun displaying lock screen alerts for some users on older software versions, strongly advising immediate installation of available updates. This move to expand update availability, including to devices with automatic updates enabled, addresses what Apple terms 'web-based attacks.'

Woman charged in root beer float murder orders hit on best friend - 1

Cybersecurity firms, including Google's Threat Intelligence Group and Lookout, have previously identified the DarkSword toolkit as instrumental in attacks that have affected users in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine since July 2025. The exploit, according to these researchers, is capable of stealing sensitive data such as emails, usernames, passwords, photos, and even cryptocurrency wallets.

Woman charged in root beer float murder orders hit on best friend - 2

Wider Vulnerability and Device Impact

The scope of devices potentially impacted if left un-updated includes:

Read More: Local LLM Coding Use Hits RAM Limit on Small Computers in April 2024

Woman charged in root beer float murder orders hit on best friend - 3

  • iPhone 11 and later models.

  • iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd generation and later).

  • iPad Pro (11-inch, 1st generation and later).

  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later).

  • iPad (8th generation and later).

  • iPad mini (5th generation and later).

OS Version Discrepancies and User Adoption

Apple is no longer providing security-only patches for those remaining on iOS 18. The fix is exclusively integrated into the newer iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. This necessitates a full operating system upgrade for protection, unless a device is incapable of running the latest version. Despite security warnings, reports suggest a significant portion of eligible users, potentially around 50 percent, have not yet migrated from iOS 18 to iOS 26.

Woman charged in root beer float murder orders hit on best friend - 4

Background on DarkSword and Market Dynamics

The DarkSword toolkit has been linked to exploits that leverage two previously undisclosed vulnerabilities. These exploits, described as 'web-based' and utilizing the 'WebKit' rendering engine – a component common to Safari and all other browsers on iOS – have been observed in the wild. The existence of such powerful hacking tools suggests, according to researchers, a robust and active market for malware. Apple's action, including a rare special update for older devices unable to handle a full iOS 26 upgrade, underscores the perceived threat. The company maintains that its newer operating systems offer more comprehensive security enhancements beyond individual patches.

Read More: Houston Airport TSA Staff Shortage Causes Delays After 36% Leave

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Apple release an urgent software update for iPhones and iPads on October 26, 2025?
Apple released an urgent update, iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7, to protect devices from a cyberattack method called 'DarkSword'. This attack can steal sensitive data like passwords and photos.
Q: What kind of data can the DarkSword attack steal from my iPhone or iPad?
The DarkSword attack can steal important information such as emails, usernames, passwords, personal photos, and even cryptocurrency wallets from your device.
Q: Which iPhone and iPad models are affected by the DarkSword threat and need the update?
iPhone 11 and newer models, and several iPad models including iPad Pro (3rd gen and later), iPad Air (3rd gen and later), iPad (8th gen and later), and iPad mini (5th gen and later) are affected.
Q: What happens if my iPhone or iPad is not updated to the latest Apple software?
If your device is not updated, it is at risk of web-based attacks using the DarkSword toolkit. This could lead to your sensitive personal data being stolen.
Q: What is the difference between iOS 18.7.7 and the newer iOS 26.2 for security updates?
Apple is no longer providing security fixes for older iOS 18 versions. The new security fix is only in iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, requiring a full operating system upgrade for full protection.