APPLE has expanded the availability of iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 to a broader range of devices to guard against the DarkSword exploit kit, with the update becoming available on 1 April 2026 for users with automatic updates turned on. The initial releases of iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 were on 24 March 2026, initially limited to iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and iPad 7th generation, and Apple says the latest rollout targets devices capable of updating to iOS 26 while on older versions.
The supported devices now include various iPhone models up to the iPhone 16 series and several iPad models such as iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (7th generation) and multiple iPad Pro and Air lineups. The DarkSword kit, which has been observed in attacks targeting users in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia and Ukraine since July 2025, can exploit iOS and iPadOS versions between 18.4 and 18.7, and Apple notes that backporting patches is part of the response for older devices.
In a statement shared with WIRED, an Apple spokesperson said the expansion aims to help users stay protected, with some opting to update to iOS 18 or to iOS 26 if auto-update is not enabled, according to the report.