Apple confirms hidden iOS 26 security update, and Google confirms silent iOS 18 spyware compromise. What you need to know and do.

OS 26.4 isn't the major update with new Siri features that we hoped for, but there are some useful quality of life improvements, and a little bit of fun with an AI playlist generator and new emoji characters.

iOS 26.3.1 (a): Apple's First Background Security Improvement Fixes This On Your iPhone

Since November, shadowy attackers have been using the 'DarkSword' iOS exploit to hack vulnerable iPhones on certain iOS 18 versions.

Apple provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate versions of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, which means we're going to see a public launch as soon as next week. The RC versions of the software include Apple's official release notes,

OS 26.4 is almost here, packed with a lot of new features, including three that have a good chance of becoming daily go-tos for users.

Google and cybersecurity companies Lookout and iVerify have detailed a new hacking technique that potentially puts a significant portion of iPhone users in danger, just by visiting the wrong web page.

DarkSword exploit targets iOS 18.4–18.7 using 6 flaws and 3 zero-days, enabling rapid data theft from iPhones across multiple countries.

OS 26.4 is the next big iPhone release, and Apple plans to enable a key security feature by default in the update: Stolen Device Protection.

A powerful iPhone hacking tool was found embedded in regular websites, silently stealing passwords, messages, and photos. If you haven't updated to iOS 26, your phone could be at risk.