Apple’s Emergency iOS 18 iPhone Patch: Why Millions Who Skipped iOS 26 Must Update Today

Apple announced a wider iOS 18 update to protect devices from the DarkSword exploit.

The update covers iPhone 11 through iPhone 16 and the iPhone XS/XS Max and XR.

Apple said users with auto-update will receive the patch and urged moving to iOS 26 for stronger protections.

The update was expected to roll out around 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. UK time.