- Updated: April 1, 2026
- 4 min read
Apple Security Update Fixes DarkSword Threat for iPhone and iPad – iOS 18.7.7 & iPadOS 18.7.7
Apple Releases Critical Security Fix for Older iPhones and iPads
–:–:–:– The first StrictlyVC of 2026 lands in San Francisco on April 30. Tickets are limited. Register here. Save up to $680 on your Disrupt 2026 pass. Ends 11:59 p.m. PT tonight. REGISTER NOW.Close Image Credits:Apple Security Apple releases security fix for older iPhones and iPads to protect against DarkSword attacks Zack Whittaker 12:02 PM PDT · April 1, 2026 Apple has pushed a security update to older iPhones and iPads that protects against a leaked set of powerful hacking tools capable of stealing data from a person’s device. The tech giant said on Wednesday that it released iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 to allow a broader range of devices to “receive important security protections from web attacks called DarkSword.” DarkSword is a hacking toolkit that can be used to break into Apple devices running iOS 18.4 through 18.7 simply by a user visiting a website that hosts the malicious code, such as legitimate websites that have themselves been breached.The exploits steal a person’s device data, including their messages, browser histories, location data, and cryptocurrency, and upload the data to a server hosted by the hackers. The tools have already been seen in certain attacks targeting users in China, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine. But now that the tools have been published online, security researchers warn that anyone can use these hacking tools to target people running older versions of Apple’s mobile software.Apple says users running its latest software, iOS 26, were protected weeks ago. The company has also released a new update to iOS 18 users with iPhones and iPads that are unable to run iOS 26 software. But with Wednesday’s update, Apple has now provided DarkSword fixes for the millions of users with unpatched devices that are capable of updating to iOS 26 but who have chosen not to update.Some users have opted not to update to avoid the software’s new “liquid glass” interface that has drawn user complaints. Wired reported earlier on Wednesday that Apple was preparing to release the update. Apple customers who have switched on automatic software updates should receive the new software. Apple said its optional security protections feature, Lockdown Mode, also defends against DarkSword attacks.The company told TechCrunch last week that it is unaware of any successful government spyware attack against an Apple device running Lockdown Mode. Topics Apple, cybersecurity, Darksword, iPad, iPhone, Security Zack Whittaker Security Editor Zack Whittaker is the security editor at TechCrunch. He also authors the weekly cybersecurity newsletter, this week in security. He can be reached via encrypted message at zackwhittaker.1337 on Signal.You can also contact him by email, or to verify outreach, at zack.whittaker@techcrunch.com. View Bio April 30 San Francisco, CA StrictlyVC kicks off the year in SF. Get in the room for unfiltered fireside chats with industry leaders, insider VC insights, and high-value connections that actually move the needle. Tickets are limited.REGISTER NOW Most Popular Anthropic is having a month Connie Loizos Google is now letting users in the US change their Gmail address Ivan Mehta Why OpenAI really shut down Sora Connie Loizos The Pixel 10a doesn’t have a camera bump, and it’s great Ivan Mehta Anthropic’s Claude popularity with paying consumers is skyrocketing Julie Bort Let’s take a look at the retro tech making a comeback Lauren Forristal Waymo’s skyrocketing ridership in one chart Kirsten Korosec Loading the next article Error loading the next article
Apple has rolled out iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 updates that specifically target the DarkSword hacking toolkit, a sophisticated threat that was recently discovered targeting older Apple devices. The updates patch a set of vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal data, or gain persistent control over the device.
Devices affected include iPhone models from the iPhone 6S onward and iPad models up to the 7th generation that are still running iOS 18. Users are strongly encouraged to install the update immediately via Settings → General → Software Update.
For a deeper dive into the technical details of the DarkSword exploit, read the original TechCrunch article.
Related internal resources you might find useful:
Stay protected and keep your devices up to date.