Apple Pushes Rare iOS 18 Patch for Devices at Risk from DarkSword Exploit

Apple pushes rare iOS 18 security patch to protect devices at risk from the DarkSword exploit, urging users to update or move to iOS 26 for stronger protection.

Apple is taking an unusual step to protect older iPhones, confirming it will push a security update to devices still running iOS 18 to block the DarkSword exploit.

This move follows growing concern around DarkSword, a publicly discussed iPhone exploitation tool that targets vulnerabilities already addressed in newer systems. While Apple had focused on encouraging users to upgrade to iOS 26, the company is now extending key protections to those who have not made the jump.

According to a statement shared with Wired, Apple will release an updated version of iOS 18 that includes the same defenses already built into iOS 26. The update is expected to roll out automatically to supported devices with auto-update enabled, reducing the risk for users who ...