Here’s Why Apple Wants You To Update Your iPhone Immediately

If your iPhone is still running iOS 13 or iOS 14, Apple wants you to update right away, and this is not just your everyday software nudge to increase the adoption rate. The company says that older iPhones could be exposed to hacking tools that work through malicious websites and links, which means that staying on outdated software now carries a more direct risk than usual.

Apple Says iPhones Running Older iOS Versions Face A More Serious Security Risk Than A Normal Update Delay

Apple says in a support document that exploit kits called Coruna and DarkSword are being used against older iPhones running iOS 13 or iOS 14. Users are being told to update to iOS 15 immediately for better protection, and while it will give them access to updated features, security is the most important aspect for now.

Apple also said that users who have newer iPhone models or those that are running iOS 15 or newer versions are already protected. The company has released security updates for iOS 15 and iOS 16 on March 11, so it appears that newer models are all set when it comes to dodging these impacts.

Here is the simple version of what this means:

• If your iPhone is running iOS 13 or iOS 14, update to iOS 15.
• If your iPhone is already on a newer version, you are covered.
• Safari already blocks known malicious domains through Safe Browsing by default.

The story holds significant importance because Apple is not asking users to update just to stay current on the latest OS for their iPhone. It is a warning that older software can now leave iPhones more exposed to real-world attacks if users keep delaying the update. Apple also says users on older versions will soon see an additional alert prompting them to install a Critical Security Update.

There is one backup option if a user cannot update right away. Apple says that Lockdown Mode can offer extra protection, but that feature is mainly meant for users at high risk of targeted attacks and requires iOS 16 or later. For most people, the easier answer is also the better one, which is to update the iPhone and close the gap before outdated software becomes the weak point.