Apple’s Critical iPhone Warning: Users Should Update Now

InnovationConsumer TechApple’s Critical iPhone Update Warning: Users Should Upgrade NowByDavid Phelan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorMay 13, 2026, 12:51pm EDTMay 13, 2026, 12:53pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryApple is strongly encouraging millions of users still on iOS 18 to upgrade to the newer iOS 26, over six months after its launch. While critical security threats like the DarkSword exploit previously prompted Apple to release iOS 18 updates for newer phones, the latest iOS 18.7.9 update is now exclusively for older models (iPhone XS, XS Max, XR) that cannot run iOS 26. This signals Apple's clear policy: if your device supports iOS 26, you should upgrade. With over 60 security vulnerabilities addressed in recent updates and new features like encrypted RCS messaging, Apple emphasizes the importance of moving to the latest software. The upcoming iOS 27, set to be unveiled in June, further underscores the need for users to update their devices for enhanced security and functionality.Show More Apple iPhone 16 — one of the phones that can run iOS 18 and iOS 26.Getty ImagesMore than six months after Apple launched the latest iPhone software cycle, iOS 26, there are still millions of users who have opted to stay on iOS 18. But Apple’s latest releases show that the company is eager for everyone who can to move to iOS 26. That includes the new iOS 26.5, full details of which you can read here.ForbesApple Releases iOS 26.5: New Update Adds Long-Awaited Feature For iPhoneBy David PhelaniPhone Compatibility And Software SupportApple iOS 26 is supported by every iPhone from the iPhone 11 series onwards, and while those phones could also run iOS 18, Apple stopped making iOS 18 updates available to any phones apart from three which couldn’t also run iOS 26: iPhone XS, iPhone X...