Apple has issued a security update for older iPhones to counter the DarkSword threat, which breaks its usual policy. This is the second time in recent weeks that Apple has released updates for older iOS versions. Previously, the company issued patches for iOS 17 to combat another advanced hacking toolkit.
Hackers are using exploit kits known as “Coruna” and “DarkSword” to target vulnerabilities in iPhones that run on older software. These tools are reported to be effective across iOS versions from iOS 13 up to iOS 17.2.1. DarkSword has already been used in targeted attacks across multiple regions and can be found in public code repositories.
If a user clicks on a malicious link or visits a compromised website on an unpatched device, attackers can gain access to personal data. This makes outdated devices particularly vulnerable to ongoing attacks.
According to the latest reports, Apple is rolling out security updates for older versions of iOS, including iOS 18, in response to the DarkSword. This will extend protection to devices that are technically eligible for new versions like iOS 26. This is a big change from the company’s earlier update policies.
Apple has never embraced backporting for its supported devices. Previously, the company had limited such fixes to older hardware that are not capable of running the most recent iOS release. Apple seems to be changing its strategy with the emergence of threats like DarkSword. The company reportedly released updates, including iOS 15.8.7 and iOS 16.7.15, on March 11, 2026, to fix vulnerabilities linked to the Coruna exploit kit.
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iPhone users running iOS 18 with automatic updates are said to receive the patch automatically. Others can choose between updating to the secure iOS 18 version or upgrading to iOS 26. The company recommends upgrading to the most recent software for the most comprehensive protection.
Apple is suggesting that users update their devices. “If your iPhone doesn’t have the latest software, update iOS to protect your data,” the company said. Users can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Devices running the latest versions of iOS 15 and newer are considered protected. Users on iOS 13 and iOS 14 need to upgrade to iOS 15 to receive these security fixes. The charge comes as users are increasingly hesitant to upgrade to newer iOS versions due to design changes, performance concerns, or app compatibility issues.