Major Apple Security Flaw Puts iPhones, Macs & iPads at Risk in India

Imagine this: You're sipping coffee. Checking emails. Booking a cab. Listening to music. All from that trusted iPhone or Mac you carry everywhere. Now imagine someone else, somewhere unseen, doing the same things on your device. That’s exactly what India’s top cybersecurity agency is warning about. 

CERT-In Flags Major Threat to Apple Devices

In its latest bulletin, CERT-In (India’s official cybersecurity watchdog) raised a red flag for Apple users across the country.
Not a yellow warning. A high-risk alert.

Why?

Because a cluster of hidden software weaknesses deep inside your Apple device can be used to:

•          Bypass security locks
•          Crash your system remotely
•          Extract personal data
•          Take full control, without you ever knowing

This isn’t a future threat. It’s happening now. And it targets everyone who hasn’t updated their device.

List of Vulnerable Apple Devices and Software Versions

If you're using any of these versions or older, you're exposed:

• iPhones with iOS before 18.6
• iPads with iPadOS before 17.7.9 / 18.6
• Macs running:
• Sequoia before 15.6
• Sonoma before 14.7.7
• Ventura before 13.7.7
• Apple Watch before 11.6
• Apple TV before 18.6
• Vision Pro before 2.6

And no, your premium device isn’t immune. The flaws lie in the software, not the hardware.

How Attackers Can Exploit Your Device

The system flaws aren’t visible. But they exist. And all it takes is a specially crafted message, file, or command from a bad actor to hijack your device.

They don’t need your fingerprint. They don’t need your password. They just need you to stay outdated.

How to Secure Your Apple Devices Now

Apple has already released security updates to patch the holes. Here’s how to protect yourself right now:

→ On iPhone/iPad

Settings → General → Software Update → iOS 18.6 / iPadOS 18.6

→ On Mac

System Settings → General → Software Update → Get latest Sequoia/Sonoma/Ventura patch

→ On Apple Watch, TV, Vision Pro

Update through paired iPhone or their respective settings.

Takes two minutes. Saves a whole world of regret.

Additional Steps to Stay Secure After the Update

• Avoid sketchy links, messages, and apps
• Use trusted sources only for downloads
• Turn on auto-updates. Don’t leave it to memory
• If your device behaves oddly (sudden slowdowns, app crashes), pay attention

If you're managing company systems, get your IT team moving. This vulnerability isn’t something to wait on.

Protect Your Personal Information with a Simple Update

We trust these devices more than we trust people. They know our bank details, passwords, health info, travel plans, even our late-night thoughts typed into Notes. Protecting them isn’t optional. It’s a digital instinct we all need to sharpen. So, if your iPhone hasn’t been updated, don’t scroll past this. Update it now. Before someone else does something with it that you never saw coming.

FAQs

What did CERT-In warn Apple users about?

The Indian government’s cyber agency, CERT-In, has warned of critical vulnerabilities in Apple software. If left unpatched, these flaws can allow hackers to access your data, crash your apps, or take control of your device remotely.

Which Apple devices are affected?

iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and Vision Pro headsets are all affected, if they are running outdated software. It’s not the device model, but the software version that matters here.

Has Apple fixed the issue?

Yes. Apple has already released patches in its latest software updates. You just need to install them to stay protected.