Apple issues urgent iOS 18.6 update amid security concerns

In July 2025, Apple launched the iOS 18.6 update, emphasizing the urgency for iPhone users to apply it immediately. This update is crucial as it addresses a substantial list of 29 security vulnerabilities, including major issues within WebKit, which could expose sensitive user data to potential attacks when harmful web content is processed. Notably, one of the vulnerabilities patched was tracked as CVE-2025-4322, indicating a serious risk of information exposure. According to cybersecurity experts, these vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because many of them involve remote exploitation, increasing the likelihood of being targeted. Daniel Card, an independent cybersecurity consultant, highlighted a specific flaw that could result in a user’s passcode being read aloud by the VoiceOver feature, showcasing how deeply user privacy could be compromised. Furthermore, the update also fixes issues that could enable apps to access user-sensitive data, making the urgency for updates even more pronounced. In addition to the iOS update, Apple simultaneously released iPadOS 17.7.9, aimed at users of older iPads unable to upgrade to iPadOS 18. This security-focused update also contains necessary fixes. However, Apple ensured all iPhones are updated to iOS 18.6; hence, there are no older versions available for these devices. This significant software upgrade from Apple is likely the last before the anticipated release of iOS 26 in the fall, unless an urgent security fix is warranted before that time. Users are advised to apply updates manually instead of relying on automatic updates, which may delay the installation. Ensuring sufficient iCloud space is also crucial before proceeding with the update to avoid any complications.