Indian govt warns Apple users to update iPhones and Macs:CERT-In issued a high-severity warning that could expose devices to data theft

The Indian government has warned Apple users about security vulnerabilities affecting older versions of software on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and other Apple devices. The warning was issued by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) on October 27, urging users to install the latest compatible security updates. According to the advisory, these vulnerabilities could allow attackers to run malicious code, access sensitive information, bypass security restrictions, or gain greater control over affected devices. Some flaws could also cause applications or systems to crash. The warning applies to both individual users and organisations using affected Apple products. Users should check their software versions and install the relevant security updates to reduce the risk of potential attacks. Which Apple devices are affected? CERT-In’s advisory covers several Apple products running older software versions, including: The required update depends on the device model and the operating system it supports. Users do not necessarily need to install the newest major operating system version if their device supports a different software branch. What are the risks for Apple users? The security flaws could expose devices to several risks, depending on the vulnerability and how it is exploited. An attacker could potentially exploit a flaw by getting a user to process specially crafted web content, images, files, or other media. Certain vulnerabilities could also be triggered through affected applications or system components. Possible consequences include: Apple’s security documentation also notes that a vulnerability affecting the processing of specially crafted files may have been exploited in a highly sophisticated attack targeting specific individuals on older iOS versions. This does not mean every Apple user has been affected, but it highlights the importance of installing security patches. What should iPhone and Mac users in India do? Apple released the relevant software updates on October 26, 2026, before CERT-In issued its warning. Users should check for the latest compatible update available for their devices. Here’s how to check for updates: For iPhone and iPad users: For Mac users: Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro users should check the Software Update section in their respective device settings. If your device cannot run the newest major operating system, check whether a security update is available for the version it supports.