This iOS 18 patch could protect your device from a vicious malware strain heres why you need it now

Date:
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Description:
Apple has patched iOS 18 to protect users from the DarkSword malware, even if they have an older device.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member
features. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Apple has issued a security patch for iOS 18 users The fix addresses the recently discovered DarkSword malware strain It follows a patch that was released for iOS 26 These days, its not safe to assume that Apple devices are immune to malware attacks as more and more products from the Cupertino firm are being targeted by nefarious hackers. We saw that with the recent
discovery of the DarkSword malware , Apple has just released a security patch that could help keep older devices safe.

Specifically, Wired reports that Apple has backported an update to devices still running iOS 18, the most recent software update before the latest iOS
26 edition. Backporting is the practice of making an update for a recent system available for an older one. In this case, the iOS 18 update
complements a fix Apple made available in iOS 26.3 and ensures that users on older software versions either by choice or because their device is too old to upgrade arent left out in the cold. Article continues below You may like Apple warns iOS users to urgently update their devices as new hack emerges This new DarkSword iOS exploit can steal almost everything from your iPhone here's what we know Apple pushes 'critical' software alerts to iPhones with outdated software

Interestingly, Apple has previously issued a DarkSword fix for iOS 18, but only for hardware that isnt compatible with iOS 26. With the latest development, devices that can run iOS 26 but havent been updated (perhaps due to user preference) can now also protect themselves.

To get the security patch, youll need to open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to General > Software Update. From there, wait for your iPhone
to find the download, then tap Update Now. Dont forget to back up your iPhone before you start, in case you encounter any problems. Keeping your devices safe (Image credit: Sora Shimazaki / Pexels) Making a fix available for iOS
18 users is an important move from Apple, as DarkSword is no ordinary
malware. Its an extensive vulnerability toolkit that gives an attacker the keys to your files, photos, messages, location, microphone, and camera. Its already been used for everything from espionage to crypto scams, meaning theres a wide range of potential victims who could fall prey to it.

Criticism over Apples inaction has grown vocal over the past couple of weeks, Wired says. While Apple was quick to patch iOS 26, its taken until now to deliver the same fix to all iOS 18 users. Given that not everyone wants to upgrade to iOS 26, that was seen as a questionable move on Apples part. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Now that Apple has fully covered iOS 18, anyone still running that version of iOS should update as soon as possible. Given DarkSwords range of
capabilities, doing so could keep you safe from a potentially disastrous attack. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/this-ios-18-patch-could-protect-your-device-f rom-a-vicious-malware-strain-heres-why-you-need-it-now


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