iPhone users worldwide are being urged to reboot their devices and update to the latest iOS 26 software to address a critical security issue. Apple has issued a warning, revealing that 50% of eligible iPhone users are yet to upgrade, leaving them vulnerable to targeted hacks and spyware. The situation has become urgent, as the tech giant has decided to restrict the security fixes to compatible iPhones that have completed the upgrade. This decision has caused some hesitation among users, as Apple's iOS 26 includes features like Liquid Glass displays, which have faced public resistance. The adoption of iOS 26 has been unusually slow, with only 4.6% of active iPhones running the latest software as of January. This is concerning, as the vast majority of iPhone users are still using older releases like iOS 18, which are no longer supported. The update includes crucial security enhancements designed to protect users from sophisticated cyber threats. Google's Threat Analysis Group collaborated with Apple to uncover the security breach, which affected iPhone 11 and newer models, iPad Pros, third-generation iPad Air and up, eighth-generation iPads and newer, and fifth-generation iPad Minis and newer. Two major security flaws, CVE-2025-43529 and CVE-2025-14174, have corrupted devices running older iOS versions. The first vulnerability, known as a 'use-after-free' exploit, enables hackers to take control of web browsers and devices. The second flaw uses memory corruption to hijack iPhones and iPads, potentially granting cybercriminals access to personal data. Apple strongly recommends immediate software updates and reboots to ensure strong security. They emphasize that keeping software up to date is essential for maintaining the security of Apple products, and they provide clear instructions for updating iOS.
