Apple says older iPhones need to be updated to stay protected

Apple has revealed that web-based attacks have targeted out-of-date versions of iOS through malicious web content. The company says users running the latest updated versions of iOS 15 through iOS 26 are already protected. However, older iPhones still need to be updated if they have not installed recent security patches.

According to Apple, the attacks could put data at risk if a user on an older iOS version clicked a malicious link or visited a compromised website. Apple says it investigated the issue and released software updates “as quickly as possible” for supported versions of iOS to address the vulnerabilities and disrupt the attacks.

iOS 15 and iOS 16 devices received updates

Apple says it released security updates for iOS 15 and iOS 16 to extend protection to older devices that cannot move to the newest iPhone software. On Apple’s security releases page, those updates are listed as iOS 16.7.15 for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, and iOS 15.8.7 for the iPhone 6s lineup, iPhone 7 lineup, and first-generation iPhone SE.

Apple is also drawing a line for even older software branches. The company says devices still running iOS 13 or iOS 14 must update to iOS 15 to receive these protections, and that affected users will receive an additional alert to install a Critical Security Update in the next few days.

Lockdown Mode and Safari protections are part of Apple’s guidance

Apple says devices with Lockdown Mode enabled are also protected from these specific attacks, even if they are running out-of-date software, though the company still recommends updating to the latest available iOS version as soon as possible. The support note also says Apple Safe Browsing in Safari is enabled by default and blocks the malicious URL domains identified in these attacks.

Apple’s broader spyware guidance says Lockdown Mode is intended for users who may face highly targeted mercenary spyware threats, while the company continues to advise all users to keep devices fully updated as a basic security measure.

For users on newer Apple devices, Apple has also introduced a separate Background Security Improvements system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that can deliver lighter security fixes between full OS updates.