Key Highlights
- Apple released a critical update on December 12, 2025, to patch two WebKit zero-day vulnerabilities linked to spyware.
- IOS 26+ is essential for securing devices against the latest threats, especially with new memory protections like Memory Integrity Enforcement.
- Restarting your device regularly can help flush out any memory-resident malware, making it a high-priority security task.
- The vast majority of iPhone users (85%) are still on outdated iOS versions, leaving them vulnerable to potential attacks.
Why You Should Update Your iPhone Now: Critical Security Patch Issued by Apple
If you were still questioning whether the latest version of iOS is for you, now is the time to make that call. On December 12, 2025, Apple issued a critical update to patch two WebKit zero-day vulnerabilities linked to mercenary spyware. These vulnerabilities have been primarily used in highly targeted attacks, but such campaigns are likely to expand over time.
WebKit powers the Safari browser and many other iOS applications, making it a significant attack surface to leave exposed.
The vulnerabilities allowed an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a device after exploitation via malicious web content. Apple has confirmed that attackers are already exploiting these vulnerabilities in the wild, making installation of the update a high-priority security task for every user.
Why iOS 26+ is Essential
The latest version of iOS, specifically versions 26 and above, includes new memory protections such as Memory Integrity Enforcement. These updates are crucial because they effectively push iPhone 11 and newer users toward these safer versions. Apple only ships these fixes on supported devices running iOS 26+, ensuring that older unsupported devices lack access to the latest security measures.
Restarting Your Device for Security
Apart from updating, it’s important to restart your device regularly. When you restart your device, any memory-resident malware is flushed—unless it has somehow gained persistence, in which case it will return. High-end spyware tools tend to avoid leaving traces needed for persistence and often rely on users not restarting their devices. Upgrading requires a restart, making this process a win-win: you get the latest protections while flushing out any existing malware at the same time.
Current Adoption Rates
The adoption of iOS 26.2 has been unusually slow despite its importance. As of January 2026, only about 4.6% of active iPhones are on this latest version, with roughly 16% using any version of iOS 26. This leaves the vast majority of users (85%) on older releases such as iOS 18, which lack the critical security patches and protections.
Experts recommend that all iPhone users upgrade to the latest software version immediately.
Not doing so means missing an accumulating list of security fixes and leaving your device vulnerable to more newly found vulnerabilities. The NSA even suggests restarting devices weekly for added security.
Additional Security Tips
- Check if you’re using the latest software version by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Turn on Automatic Updates if not already done, from the same screen.
- Avoid opening unsolicited links and attachments without verifying with the trusted sender.
- Remember that Apple threat notifications will never ask users to click links, open files, install apps, or provide account passwords or verification codes.
If you are a high-value target or want extra security, consider using Apple’s Lockdown Mode. It provides an additional layer of protection against potential threats. Stay informed and proactive about your device’s security—after all, cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline.
