Apple will finally fix this critical flaw on all iPhones

DarkSword and Coruna: faults that follow one another…

In recent weeks, Apple has increased security patches and has already published several updates to correct two major vulnerabilities: crown (iOS 13 to iOS 17.2.1) and DarkSword (iOS 18.4 to iOS 18.7). These attacks are based on a classic but formidable technique: chain together several vulnerabilities to take control of a device. In most cases, the entry point is in WebKit, the Safari engine, before an escalation of privileges allowing the system to be compromised.

But the problem was this: These fixes for iOS 18 only affected devices unable to upgrade to iOS 26. Also, many iPhones compatible with iOS 26 but remaining on iOS 18 remained vulnerable. Cupertino réagit therefore by deploying patches on several versions of its previous systems still in circulation: iOS 15.8.7 (for old iPhones like 6s and 7), iOS 16.7.15 (iPhone 8, X…) and iOS 18.7.7 (iPhone XS, XR…).

A fix extended to all iOS 18 users

Faced with this situation, Apple is changing strategy and will release a new version of iOS 18 incorporating the same protections as those already present in iOS 26. This is obviously about offering the same level of protection for all its users (and their iPhones in circulation) even if they have chosen not to migrate.

Especially since the flaw is even more dangerous since the code of the DarkSword exploit has been published on GitHub, facilitating its use by possible attackers. By making the exploits public, DarkSword’s publication has clearly accéléré la réaction d’Apple.

Automatic… or manual update

Apple specifies that users with automatic updates enabled will receive the fix. Others will be able to choose between the secure version of iOS 18 or go directly to iOS 26. Apple, however, continues to strongly recommend updating to the latest version of the system, which is more comprehensive in terms of security.

This expanded patch is good news, even if it arrives late. It illustrates a recurring problem: many users stay on old versions of iOS sometimes by choice, sometimes by constraint.