Apple has issued a warning for users of older iPhones to update now. The iPhone maker has released a slew of extra updates alongside iOS 18.4, some of which address security flaws being used in real-life attacks.
The new Apple updates for older iPads and iPhones cover versions of its operating system including iOS 17, iOS 16 and iOS 15.
Apple’s iPadOS 17.7.6 fixes over 30 flaws, the worst of which is being used in real-life attacks. Tracked as CVE-2025-24085, the issue in Apple’s CoreMedia could allow a malicious application to elevate privileges.
“Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 17.2,” the iPhone maker said on its support page.
The issue has already been fixed for newer iOS 18 iPads and iPhones in iPadOS and iOS 18.3 released at the end of Jan.
Apple’s iPadOS 17.7.6 is available for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation, iPad Pro 10.5-inch and iPad 6th generation.
There is no iOS 17.7.6 available, which could be because the flaw does not affect this version, or more likely because Apple had already fixed the vulnerability in iOS 18, and does not provide updates if you are choosing not to upgrade to the latest operating system.
Apple’s iOS 16.7.11 And iOS 15.8.4 Fix Already Exploited Issues
Meanwhile, iOS 16.7.11 and iPadOS 16.7.11 fix two flaws used in real-life attacks. The first, tracked as CVE-2025-24200, is an issue in Accessibility where a physical attack could disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device. “Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals,” the iPhone maker said.
This flaw was patched on newer iPhones running iOS 18 in Feb. when it issued iOS 18.3.1.
The second is a vulnerability in WebKit, the engine that underpins Apple’s Safari browser, tracked as CVE-2025-24201, that could result in maliciously crafted web content being able to break out of Web Content sandbox. “Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 17.2,” the firm said.
The WebKit flaw has also been patched on newer iPhones and iPads in iOS 18.3.2, released last month.
The iOS 16.7.11 upgrade is available for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPad 5th generation, iPad Pro 9.7-inch and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation.
Lastly, iOS 15.8.4 and iPadOS 15.8.4 fix the same flaws in WebKit and Accessibility on devices that can’t run iOS 16. This update is available for iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation) and iPod touch (7th generation).
Update Now To Keep iPhones And iPads Secure
As Apple issues updates for flaws being used in real-life attacks, it’s essential that you keep all your devices up to date. It’s also interesting to note that Apple fixed these vulnerabilities in newer devices running iOS 18 in some cases two months before it issued updates for older iPhones.
It shows that you are more secure running iOS 18, if your device is able to run it. Newer devices are sadly not always affordable, but the iPhone maker does prioritise their security.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to update all your Apple devices now to ensure they are safe. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download and install the latest iPhone upgrades now.
