Hundreds of millions of Apple iPhone users have been urged to take immediate action to protect their devices from sophisticated security threats, including restarting and updating their software without delay. The warning, circulating across tech news and security circles this month, highlights growing concern over active vulnerabilities in older versions of Apple’s iOS software and underscores the role of both updates and occasional reboots in maintaining device security.
The latest alert follows reports from industry commentators that many iPhones remain on outdated software even months after fixes were released, leaving them potentially exposed to spyware attacks. Security specialists say that installing the most recent update and rebooting the device can help clear memory-resident threats, while also ensuring that critical patches are applied correctly.
What the warning says
According to recent coverage, Apple has flagged vulnerabilities affecting iPhones that have not installed iOS 26.2 or later versions. These flaws, which relate to components like Apple’s WebKit browser engine, could allow attackers to execute code on a device by luring a user to a malicious web page or similar content. Such attacks have been described as “highly sophisticated” and capable of compromising personal data or device controls if left unaddressed.
Experts emphasise that vulnerabilities of this nature are not hypothetical. They are actively exploited in limited, targeted campaigns, and could widen in scope as cybercriminals leverage shared exploit techniques. While Apple’s most recent versions of iOS include fixes to these issues, devices still running older versions remain at risk.
Update first, restart next
For iPhone owners, the core advice from security analysts is twofold: ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS release and then restart or reboot it. Updating installs essential patches that close known security gaps, while a restart ensures that fixes take full effect and clears potentially compromised code that might reside in memory.
Restarting a device may seem old-fashioned, but in practice it forces the operating system to reload all its components from scratch, flushing any lingering malicious code. Some cybersecurity professionals make a habit of recommending periodic reboots even for devices on the latest software, as it can smooth performance and reduce the chance for dormant code to persist.
Who is most affected?
The warning applies primarily to devices that are still running versions earlier than iOS 26.2. According to reports, a significant proportion of the global iPhone user base has yet to complete this update, leaving potentially hundreds of millions of devices in active use without all current security protections.
Typically, modern iPhone models from the iPhone 11 series onward are eligible for the latest iOS updates, but uptake varies widely across users. Some delay installing updates due to concerns about new features, perceived instability or simply inertia; others rely on automatic updates but may not realise they need to restart for changes to take full effect.
Apple’s position and broader context
Apple’s security framework for iOS has long been viewed as more robust than many alternatives, in part because of its closed ecosystem and rigorous app vetting procedures. However, no platform is immune from exploits, and the company regularly releases updates addressing vulnerabilities as they are discovered.
Recent history offers several reminders of this dynamic. For example, previous iOS updates, such as iOS 26.0.1 released in late 2025, included fixes for flaws that were already being used in attacks before users had widely upgraded. That pattern underscores the importance of timely updates and user attention to security notices.
How to update and reboot safely
For most iPhone users, updating the device is straightforward and can be done through the Settings app. Navigating to Settings > General > Software Update will show if a new version of iOS is available, along with a brief description of the improvements included. Users are advised to back up important data before applying major updates, though routine patches typically install without issue for the vast majority of devices.
Once an update is installed, a restart or reboot is a separate step. The simplest method on recent iPhones is to press and hold the volume button and the side button simultaneously until a slider appears, then slide to power off. After the device shuts down, holding the side button again will power it back on. This sequence ensures the updated system is fully loaded into memory and any temporary data is cleared.
What this means for users
For iPhone owners, the present warning serves as a reminder that staying current with software updates is not just about accessing new features, but also about safeguarding personal information and device integrity. In an era where mobile devices are central to communication, finance and daily organisation, the stakes for security are high.
Moreover, practices as simple as periodic restarts, when combined with regular updates, can strengthen a device’s resilience against emerging threats. This combination update first, restart next — reflects a practical approach recommended by cybersecurity professionals when vulnerabilities are actively exploited in the wild.
The wider cybersecurity challenge
The broader pattern of periodic update warnings from Apple and other technology companies illustrates a persistent tension in modern computing: balancing usability with security. Users often delay updates due to convenience, while attackers continually probe for unpatched weaknesses.
Security agencies and industry groups routinely issue advisories urging prompt action when serious vulnerabilities are discovered, reinforcing that the responsibility for cybersecurity is shared between platform developers and individual users. Regular updates and occasional hardware restarts are part of a basic hygiene regime that helps keep devices safer in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
As the Apple ecosystem continues to grow, with more than a billion active devices globally, these issues will remain front of mind for policymakers, developers and users alike. Ensuring that devices are kept up to date and rebooted as necessary will help maintain the integrity and trust in one of the world’s most widely used mobile platforms.
