- Apple has issued a security patch for iOS 18 users
- The fix addresses the recently discovered DarkSword malware strain
- It follows a patch that was released for iOS 26
These days, it’s not safe to assume that Apple devices are immune to malware attacks as more and more products from the Cupertino firm are being targeted by nefarious hackers. We saw that with the recent discovery of the DarkSword malware, Apple has just released a security patch that could help keep older devices safe.
Specifically, Wired reports that Apple has “backported” an update to devices still running iOS 18, the most recent software update before the latest iOS 26 edition. Backporting is the practice of making an update for a recent system available for an older one.
In this case, the iOS 18 update complements a fix Apple made available in iOS 26.3 and ensures that users on older software versions — either by choice or because their device is too old to upgrade — aren’t left out in the cold.
Interestingly, Apple has previously issued a DarkSword fix for iOS 18, but only for hardware that isn’t compatible with iOS 26. With the latest development, devices that can run iOS 26 but haven’t been updated (perhaps due to user preference) can now also protect themselves.
To get the security patch, you’ll need to open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to General > Software Update. From there, wait for your iPhone to find the download, then tap Update Now. Don’t forget to back up your iPhone before you start, in case you encounter any problems.
Keeping your devices safe
Making a fix available for iOS 18 users is an important move from Apple, as DarkSword is no ordinary malware. It’s an extensive vulnerability toolkit that gives an attacker the keys to your files, photos, messages, location, microphone, and camera. It’s already been used for everything from espionage to crypto scams, meaning there’s a wide range of potential victims who could fall prey to it.
Criticism over Apple’s inaction has grown vocal over the past couple of weeks, Wired says. While Apple was quick to patch iOS 26, it’s taken until now to deliver the same fix to all iOS 18 users. Given that not everyone wants to upgrade to iOS 26, that was seen as a questionable move on Apple’s part.
Now that Apple has fully covered iOS 18, anyone still running that version of iOS should update as soon as possible. Given DarkSword’s range of capabilities, doing so could keep you safe from a potentially disastrous attack.
