Don't ignore Apple's urgent security update

4 hours ago 2

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If you usage an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch oregon Apple TV, perceive up. Apple has released a large information update to hole a zero-day vulnerability, which is simply a information spread that hackers observe and exploit earlier the institution has a accidental to hole it. 

Attackers were already utilizing it successful targeted attacks. In different words, this was not conscionable a possibility. It was happening.

The flaw, tracked arsenic CVE-2026-20700, affects aggregate Apple operating systems. If you person delayed updates lately, this is 1 you should not ignore.

If you ain an Android oregon Windows PC, this is besides a bully reminder to cheque for updates. 

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APPLE PATCHES TWO ZERO-DAY FLAWS USED IN TARGETED ATTACKS

Apple’s latest information    updates impact  iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV, truthful  present  is the clip  to cheque  each   instrumentality  you own.

Apple’s latest information updates impact iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV, truthful present is the clip to cheque each instrumentality you own. (iStock)

What is CVE-2026-20700 and wherefore it matters

CVE-2026-20700 is simply a representation corruption vulnerability affecting:

  • iOS 26.3
  • iPadOS 26.3
  • macOS Tahoe 26.3
  • watchOS 26.3
  • tvOS 26.3
  • visionOS 26.3

In elemental terms, this bug could let an attacker to tally arbitrary codification connected your device. That opens the doorway to spyware, hidden backdoors oregon soundless takeovers without evident informing signs. Apple says this vulnerability was utilized arsenic portion of an corruption concatenation combined with 2 antecedently patched flaws against devices moving older versions of iOS. Those earlier bugs were fixed successful December 2025. Devices that skipped those updates remained exposed. This is however galore existent attacks unfold. Hackers concatenation vulnerabilities unneurotic and softly determination in.

Which devices request updating?

Here is simply a breakdown of the disposable updates:

  • iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 for iPhone 11 and later, positive newer iPads
  • iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5 for iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and iPad 7th generation
  • macOS Tahoe 26.3, Sequoia 15.7.4, Sonoma 14.8.4
  • tvOS 26.3 for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K
  • watchOS 26.3 for Apple Watch Series 6 and later
  • visionOS 26.3 for Apple Vision Pro
  • Safari 26.3 for supported macOS versions

If your instrumentality qualifies, update it arsenic soon arsenic possible.

Why this update deserves attention

Security updates tin consciousness routine. Many of america spot the notification and determine to woody with it later. This clip is different. Apple confirmed the flaw was actively exploited. That means attackers already cognize however to usage it. Running older bundle gives them a model of opportunity. Updating closes that window.

How to update your iPhone oregon iPad

Updating takes lone a fewer minutes.

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap General
  • Tap Software Update
  • If an update appears, tap Download and Install
  • Turn connected Automatic Updates truthful you bash not miss aboriginal fixes

Keep your instrumentality connected to Wi-Fi and powerfulness during the process.

APPLE WARNS MILLIONS OF IPHONES ARE EXPOSED TO ATTACK

An iOS update screen

Once you scope this surface connected your iPhone, pat Update Now to instal Apple’s latest information hole immediately. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

How to update your Mac

  • Click the Apple menu successful the precocious near corner
  • Choose System Settings or System Preferences
  • Select General
  • Click Software Update
  • If an update appears, prime Restart Now oregon Update Tonight

Your Mac whitethorn restart during the process. Keep it plugged successful and connected to the net until the update finishes.

A macOS update screen

Mac users volition spot options similar Update Tonight oregon Restart Now, and installing this update closes a flaw already exploited successful attacks. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

How to update Apple Watch

  • Keep your Watch on its charger and near your iPhone
  • Open the Watch app connected your iPhone
  • Tap General
  • Tap Software Update
  • Tap Download and Install if available

Your Watch volition restart during the update.

A watchOS update screen

Your Apple Watch besides receives captious information fixes, truthful support it connected the charger and update it conscionable similar your iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

How to update Apple TV

  • Open Settings connected Apple TV
  • Go to System
  • Select Software Updates
  • Choose Update Software
  • Select Download and Install

Stay connected to powerfulness and Wi Fi until the update completes.

How to update Safari

Safari updates are included with macOS updates.

  • Go to the Apple menu
  • Click System Settings
  • Select General
  • Click Software Update

If Safari appears separately, click Update Now and restart your Mac.

How to update your Apple Vision Pro

  • Put connected your Vision Pro and unfastened the Settings app.
  • Select General from the sidebar.
  • Tap Software Update.
  • If an update appears for visionOS 26.3, take Download and Install.
  • Make definite your Vision Pro stays charged and connected to Wi-Fi until the update completes.

MALICIOUS MAC EXTENSIONS STEAL CRYPTO WALLETS AND PASSWORDS

Ways to enactment safe

Installing this update is the astir important step. Still, determination are further habits that fortify your protection.

  • Turn connected automatic updates for each Apple device
  • Restart devices regularly to wide impermanent processes
  • Avoid clicking unsolicited links oregon attachments, and usage beardown antivirus software. Get my picks for the champion 2026 antivirus extortion winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices astatine Cyberguy.com.
  • Remember, Apple menace notifications volition ne'er inquire for passwords oregon verification codes
  • Be cautious erstwhile viewing HTML-formatted emails successful Apple Mail
  • Consider enabling Lockdown Mode if you look a higher risk

Cybercriminals trust connected hesitation. They number connected america assuming we volition get to the update later.

Kurt's cardinal takeaways

Apple moved accelerated to hole this vulnerability, and that is reassuring. Now it is up to america to bash our part. I get it. Updates interrupt your day. They unit a restart. They seldom consciousness urgent. But present is the thing. Installing updates is inactive the simplest and astir effectual mode to support your instrumentality from progressive threats. A fewer minutes present tin forestall a superior information occupation later.

What is your biggest crushed for delaying updates, and has it ever outgo you? Let america cognize by penning to america astatine Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech writer who has a heavy emotion of technology, cogwheel and gadgets that marque beingness amended with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business opening mornings connected "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s escaped CyberGuy Newsletter, stock your voice, a communicative thought oregon remark astatine CyberGuy.com.

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