Apple has announced users must update their iPhones immediately following the discovery of a significant vulnerability in the iOS operating system, which has been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack aimed at select targets. The update will upgrade devices to iOS version 26.3 or 18.7.5, depending on the specific iPhone model. The vulnerability involves the Dynamic Link Editor feature, which allows malicious code execution on affected devices.

The threat was brought to Apple's attention by Google's Threat Analysis Group, which works to protect users from state-sponsored and targeted attacks. The exact nature of the attacks has not been disclosed, but Apple indicates that the vulnerabilities exploited in this incident also included two other weaknesses that were patched in December. While the initial threat may have only affected a limited number of users, Apple warns that this could change as bad actors might exploit these vulnerabilities in broader attacks in the future.

The critical update is now available for iPhone 11 and later models, making it imperative for users to protect their devices by downloading and installing the latest version of iOS as soon as possible. This situation highlights the ongoing risks faced by smartphone users in an age where security vulnerabilities can be leveraged for targeted attacks, underscoring the importance of timely updates and vigilance in cybersecurity.