Apple has made a rare move by issuing a new security update for users who have not upgraded to the most recent iOS version. The tech giant has rolled out iOS 18.7.7 to safeguard these users from a dangerous exploit known as DarkSword, which can pilfer data from their devices.
This release deviates from Apple’s usual stance of urging users to update to the newest iOS version for security patches. However, the threat posed by DarkSword has compelled Apple to take this different approach.
DarkSword is a hacking toolkit that targets Apple devices operating on iOS versions 18.4 through 18.7. It can infiltrate vulnerable devices when a user visits a website hosting malicious code. The exploit has the capability to extract various types of data from a user’s device, such as messages, browsing history, location information, and cryptocurrency, and send the data to a server controlled by hackers.
Apple had previously issued fixes for users running the latest iOS 26 software several weeks ago. The recent update now extends protection to users who opt to remain on older versions due to familiarity or performance considerations. Instances of these hacking tools have been observed in targeted attacks on users in China, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine.
The situation escalated when a newer version of DarkSword was leaked and made public on the code-sharing platform GitHub. Researchers cautioned that this leak could empower hackers to easily target iPhone users running older Apple operating system versions who have not yet updated to iOS 26.
By releasing iOS 18.7.7, Apple has ensured that users on older iOS versions are shielded from the DarkSword exploit. Users who have enabled automatic software updates will receive the new software. Additionally, Apple has highlighted that its optional security feature, Lockdown Mode, provides protection against DarkSword attacks.
This marks the second occasion in a month where Apple has taken this proactive approach. Previously, the company issued patches for iOS 17 to combat another sophisticated hacking toolkit named Coruna, which also involved real-world attacks, prompting Apple to deviate from its standard update strategy.