Older versions of iOS are at risk of data theft. Apple reminds iPhone users to update their systems as soon as possible.

Image source: Jiemian Image Library

On April 15, Apple officially issued a security alert through its WeChat official account, clearly stating that older versions of iOS are at risk of high - level web - based attacks. If users click on malicious links or visit compromised websites, the data in their devices may be stolen. Apple called on all users to update their systems as soon as possible to prevent security issues.

Image source: Apple

The core of this security risk is a new type of web - based attack method discovered by security researchers. It can launch attacks on outdated iOS systems through web content alone, without the need for users to install applications.

Apple pointed out in the announcement that after discovering these issues, it conducted a comprehensive investigation and released a software update for the latest operating system version immediately to address the relevant vulnerabilities and block such attacks. If users' iPhone software is always kept up - to - date, they have already received corresponding security protection.

Apple emphasized that devices with updated software will not be threatened by these reported attacks. Even if a device is using outdated software, enabling the Lockdown Mode can also protect against these specific attacks.

The method of enabling the Lockdown Mode varies depending on the device type. Generally, iPhone users can open the "Settings" app, click on "Privacy & Security", scroll down to find "Lockdown Mode", and click to enter. Click "Turn On Lockdown Mode", confirm, then click "Turn On and Restart", and enter the device's lock screen password to complete the activation.

However, Apple still recommends updating to the latest iOS version as soon as possible. Jiemian News checked iPhone devices and found that the latest official version of iOS pushed to the public by Apple is iOS 26.4.1, with a size of 7.87GB. In this update, Apple introduced 8 new emojis, along with other feature improvements, bug fixes, and security updates for the iPhone.

In addition, Apple has also opened channels at its national Apple Store retail stores, authorized dealers, and service providers to provide software version detection and update services for users' devices. Users can take their iPhones to the nearest store for assistance.

To cover more older devices, Apple released software updates for iOS 15 and iOS 16 on March 11. However, devices running iOS 13 or iOS 14 must update to iOS 15 to obtain this protection. Apple started providing iOS 18.7.7 for more devices on April 1, so that users with the automatic update function enabled can automatically receive important security protection.

Meanwhile, devices running older versions of iOS 18 will receive additional reminders, and Apple will prompt users to install critical security updates. The Apple Safe Browsing feature in the Safari browser is enabled by default, which can block the malicious URL domains identified in these attacks.

It is worth noting that on April 3, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also issued an urgent reminder to Apple users that Apple system vulnerabilities may lead to information leakage. The Network Security Threat and Vulnerability Information Sharing Platform (NVDB) of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently monitored and found that some attackers were using vulnerability exploitation tools targeting Apple's terminal products to carry out cyber - attack activities. Such attacks can lead to serious consequences such as the theft of user information and the remote control of device systems. The affected product range includes Apple terminal devices such as iPhones and iPads running iOS versions from 13.0 to 17.2.1.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, attackers usually induce users to use the Safari browser to visit web pages containing malicious code by sending text messages, emails, or poisoning web pages. Once users click, attackers will comprehensively exploit the security vulnerabilities in the terminal devices, implant remote - control Trojans into the victim devices, and then steal users' sensitive information and obtain the highest device permissions for control.

In response to this risk, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recommends that users of Apple's terminal products conduct risk investigations and fix the relevant vulnerabilities as soon as possible by upgrading the system version and installing security patches.

In addition to facing the above - mentioned security risks, some Apple users have also encountered the problem of their iPhones automatically making calls in the middle of the night. Apple stated that a recent issue has affected iPhone models running iOS 26 and using dual SIM cards, which may have caused a small number of users' iPhones to make unexpected outgoing calls. Updating the iPhone to iOS 26.3 or a higher version can solve this problem.

According to Apple, if you use dual SIM cards on an iPhone running iOS 26, when you tap a phone number, the iPhone will display a dialog box prompting you to select the SIM card to use. If you don't make a selection and leave the device idle for a long time, such as when charging at night, it may cause the system to call the phone number you previously tapped. This behavior is caused by a software problem, which has been resolved in iOS 26.3.

Apple has a large user base in China. The company's financial report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 showed that Greater China became the highlight of growth in that quarter, with revenues reaching $2.5526 billion, a year - on - year surge of 38% compared to $1.8513 billion in the same period last year. This was mainly due to the strong sales of the iPhone 17 series in the region, as well as Apple's optimization of channel strategies such as increasing trade - in subsidies and launching localized features in mainland China.

"We achieved the highest record of upgrade users in the mainland Chinese market ever, and there was also a double - digit increase in users switching from other platforms," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a previous earnings conference call.

Apple's total revenue in this quarter reached $143.756 billion, a year - on - year increase of 16% compared to $124.3 billion in the same period last year, far exceeding the market expectation of $138.4 billion; the net profit was $42.097 billion, a year - on - year increase of 15.9% compared to $36.33 billion in the same period last year.

This article is from the WeChat official account "Jiemian News", and is published by 36Kr with authorization.