Apple has released a security fix for older iPhones and iPads to protect against DarkSword attacks

Apple has pushed out a security update for older iPhones and iPads that protects against a leaked set of powerful hacking tools capable of stealing data from a person’s device.

The tech giant said Wednesday that it has released iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 to allow a wide range of devices to “receive critical security protections from web attacks called DarkSword.”

DarkSword is a hacking toolkit that can be used to break into Apple devices running iOS 18.4 to 18.7 simply by visiting a website hosting malicious code, such as legitimate websites that have themselves been hacked. The exploits steal a person’s device data, including their messages, browser history, location data, and cryptocurrencies, and upload the data to a server hosted by the hackers.

The tools have already been seen in some attacks targeting users in China, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. But now that the tools have been posted online, security researchers warn that anyone could use these hacking tools to target people using outdated versions of Apple’s mobile software.

Apple says users using its latest software, iOS 26, have been protected for weeks. The company also released a new update for iOS 18 users who have iPhones and iPads that are unable to run the iOS 26 software.

But with Wednesday’s update, Apple has now provided DarkSword fixes to millions of users who had unpatched devices capable of updating to iOS 26 but chose not to update. Some users chose not to update to avoid the software’s new “liquid glass” interface, which sparked user complaints.

Wired reported earlier Wednesday that Apple was preparing to release the update.

Apple customers who have automatic software updates turned on should get the new software. An optional security protection feature, Lockdown Mode, also defends against DarkSword attacks, Apple said. The company told TechCrunch last week that it was not aware of any successful government spyware attack against an Apple device running in Lockdown Mode.