APPLE is alerting users with lock screen warnings about outdated iPhones and iPads to urge immediate software updates, as active web-based attacks target devices running older iOS versions. The notifications appear as a “Critical Software” alert from the Settings app and encourage installation of a critical update, with Apple noting attacks targeting out‑of‑date iOS software, including the version on your iPhone, according to MacRumors.
The warnings identify exploit kits such as Coruna and DarkSword, which are actively targeting iOS versions 13 through 17.2.1 and 18.4 to 18.7 respectively, and emphasise that simply clicking a malicious link or visiting a compromised site could allow data to be stolen on unpatched devices. Apple says keeping the iPhone updated is the most effective protection, and Lockdown Mode can block these attacks even on older systems, though updates are still strongly advised.
Updates released on 11 March 2026 extend protection to iOS 15 and 16 devices, while devices on iOS 13 or 14 must upgrade to iOS 15 and install a Critical Security Update, with Safari’s Safe Browsing helping block known malicious domains by default.