Apple has released iOS 26.4.2 and iOS 18.7.8, along with a warning to update your iPhone now. That’s because iOS 26.4 and iOS 18.7.8 fix a single security vulnerability in the iPhone software, which could be pretty serious.
Apple doesn’t provide much detail about what’s fixed in iOS 26.4.2 and iOS 18.7.8, to allow as many users to upgrade before attackers can get hold of the details. But it does reveal that iOS 26.4 and iOS 18.7.8 fix the same flaw, in Notification Services, where notifications marked for deletion could be unexpectedly retained on the device, according to Apple’s support page.
Tracked as CVE-2026-28950, it seems the issue was released as an emergency update for a reason. It appears to be the same vulnerability used by the FBI to extract copies of incoming Signal messages from a defendant’s iPhone due to copies of the content being saved in the push notification database, first reported by 404 Media.
While Apple doesn’t comment on the details of the fixes in iOS 18.7.8 and iOS 26.4.2, Bleeping Computer points out that “its description of notifications being retained on the device closely aligns with the type of data persistence described in that report.”
I have asked Apple to comment and will update this article if the iPhone maker responds.
iOS 18.7.8 Is Also Available For Newer iPhones
Another security implication of this latest update is the fact that iOS 18.7.8 is also available for later generations of the iPhone, signalling that Apple is now offering iOS 18 to those who want to stay on the older operating system.
It comes after the iPhone maker released iOS 26.4 last month, including the ability to update to iOS 18.7.7 even if you own a newer device. The reason for this was DarkSword, a dangerous spyware that was using iPhone vulnerabilities to attack Apple users. Perhaps Apple is changing its tactics to ensure all users are secured in the face of major risks — certainly when it issues emergency updates to the iPhone software such as iOS 26.4.2 and iOS 18.7.8.
Apple’s iOS 26.4.2 is available for iPhone 11 and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 8th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
Why You Should Update To iOS 26.4.2 and iOS 18.7.8 Now
The fix issued in iOS 26.4.2 and iOS 18.7.8 might look fairly innocent, but the timing of the upgrade indicates Apple deems it serious. For that reason, you should upgrade your iPhone now.
If you are already on iOS 26, the iOS 26.4.2 update adds new features and bug fixes, including Concerts in Apple Music and eight new emoji, giving you extra reasons for updating right away.
So, what are you waiting for? Go to Settings > Software Update and upgrade to iOS 18.7.8 or iOS 26.4.2 now.
