Warning issued to 1,800,000,000 iPhone users over security risk

Apple iPhone and iPad users should download the latest iOS upgrade (Picture: Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock)

Apple has issued a warning to all iPhone users over a security gap in the operating system.

If you are one of 1.8 billion iPhone owners,your phone will need an urgent security upgrade to keep your valuable information safe.

Although iPhones can be pretty stealthy against some common bugs,Apple has identified a potential gap,which the latest iOS 18.5 update will fix.

The gap could leave users’ photos,messages and private user data vulnerable to hackers if the update is ignored.

Here are details of the latest iPhone fix and who should update urgently.

Even the latest iPhones,like iPhone 16,will need the system upgrade (Picture: Getty Images)

The software update is designed for all models after and including iPhone XS,meaning anything released after 2018.

There is also an update for iPads,including the latest iPad mini.

The iOS 18.5,which was launched on May 12,targets new Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) that could be a way in for cyber criminals using malware.

The malware could be hidden in a rogue image or video file,which upon opening could make an app crash or mess up your phone’s memory beforecausing glitches and even security risks,according to MailOnline.

Apple said of the CVE-2025-31251 vulnerability and its impact: ‘Processing a maliciously crafted media file may lead to unexpected app termination or corrupt process memory.’

The malicious video issue,known as CVE-2025-31233,could also harm apps and device memory,Apple said.

A representative from Safe Data Storage told the Mirror: ‘Apple acted fast,but users need to act too. Updating your device is one of the most important things you can do to protect your private information.

‘Tell your parents,your grandparents,your neighbour – anyone with an iPhone. These updates aren’t optional anymore – they’re your first line of defence.’

Apple experts have developed the latest upgrade,which will address the issue ‘with improved input sanitisation,’ the tech giant said.

So next time your iPhone notification prompts you to update,it is worth doing – even if you have to clear up memory space for it.