In summary:
- Apple released an unprecedented iOS 18.7.7 security update for all iPhones to combat the critical DarkSword malware threat.
- Macworld notes that while iOS 26 offers advanced security features, this rare update allows users to remain on iOS 18 while receiving vital protection.
- The update breaks Apple’s typical pattern of discontinuing old OS support after new releases, demonstrating the severity of the DarkSword security risk.
Typically, after Apple introduces a new major version of its operating system, it stops pushing out the old version to compatible phones. Older phones that are incompatible with the new version continue to get security updates, but newer phones have to jump to the newer operating system to get them.
This has been the case with iOS 18 and iOS 26 (and iPadOS 18 and 26). The latest version of iOS 18, 18.7.7, was available only for the iPhone XS, XR, and iPad 7th generation. Newer devices should move to iOS 26 to get security updates.
A particularly nasty threat called DarkSword, a hacking tool that can seriously compromise devices, has gotten much worse since the code for it appeared on GitHub. This prompted Apple to issue a rare change: an updated version of iOS 18.7.7 (build number 22H340) that will show up as an automatic update for all iPhone users, not just those with older devices.
Currently, iOS 26 is installed on about three in four Apple devices from the last four years, and it offers protection for DarkSword as well. But for the roughly one quarter of users who have resisted updating to iOS 26, this new change will allow their device to stay on iOS 18 and receive an automatic update (if enabled) that will protect them from the threat.
Apple still suggests all users with compatible devices update to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, which offers its most advanced security and protections from many other threats.
To update your device, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.