Apple Issues Warning: Users of Older iPhones Must Update Immediately
The technology giant Apple has issued an urgent security warning for millions of its device users. A known dangerous vulnerability that has been infiltrated by hackers has now been patched, and anyone who has not yet updated their operating system is urged to do so as soon as possible, according to a report from Tom’s Guide.
This update was released after Apple’s security team found evidence that the flaw is already being used in the real world to attack users. The vulnerability, identified by the code CVE-2026-86950, lies within the core part of the system that manages the display of images and documents, making the danger difficult to detect from the outside.
The flaw resides in CoreGraphics, the framework that handles all forms of visual display on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Simply put, this is the part of the system that reads and displays images, photos, and documents such as PDFs. Because it operates in the background every time you open any file, a compromise here is extremely dangerous.
Attackers can inject malicious code into images or documents that appear completely ordinary. When the file is opened, the system executes commands unknown to the user, allowing hackers to run any program on the device. The consequences can range from applications suddenly crashing and frequent device freezes to the partial or total takeover of the system.
Apple noted that attacks exploiting this flaw are currently highly targeted. This means perpetrators are choosing specific targets rather than spreading randomly. However, experience shows that once a known vulnerability is used once, it is studied and disseminated by other hacking groups. What attacks a few people today could become a threat to anyone who has not yet protected their device tomorrow.
Which iPhones are affected?
The released updates cover devices running the following operating systems:
iOS 21.7.1 for iPhone
iPadOS 18.7.1 for iPad
macOS Tahoe 15.7.1 for Mac computers
macOS Sequoia 15.8.1 for previous Mac generations
This means that even devices that are several years old still receive this protection. This differs from feature updates, which are sometimes unavailable on older devices. In this instance, Apple has continued to patch the flaw to ensure that users who have not yet upgraded their hardware are not left without protection.
Many users in Indonesia delay updates due to fears of running out of memory or the device becoming slow. However, in this case, delay actually opens the door to threats. The following steps can be taken:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update
If an update is available, tap Install Now
Ensure the battery is sufficient or the device is connected to a power source
Perform the update via a stable internet connection
Files sent via messages, social media, or unknown emails are the most frequently used pathways. If you receive suspicious files, it is best not to open them until you have confirmed the sender is someone you know.
A flaw that has already been exploited in the real world is considered the highest level of threat in the world of cybersecurity. This means the attackers’ methods are already operational and proven successful. Every day that passes without an update increases the chance of a device becoming a target. The damage caused can include the theft of personal data, passwords, and even financial information stored on the phone.