Why every iPhone user should update to iOS 26 now: a plain language guide

What’s going on with iPhone security

In January 2026, Apple issued a rare and urgent security warning to iPhone users worldwide. The company confirmed that sophisticated spyware attacks are actively exploiting weaknesses in older versions of iOS and in many cases the only protection is to update to the latest software.

This is not theoretical. These are real vulnerabilities that attackers are actively using, and millions of devices remain unprotected.

Why the latest update matters

At the heart of the issue is WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari and almost every browser on iOS. Security flaws in WebKit could let malicious websites run harmful code on your iPhone without you doing anything other than visiting a page.

Apple patched these bugs in iOS 26.2 (and equivalent iPadOS versions) in December 2025, but many users haven’t installed the update yet. If your phone isn’t running iOS 26.2, you are missing crucial security fixes.

Why so many iPhones are still exposed

Normally, Apple’s software updates include both new features and behind-the-scenes security patches. But this time adoption has been unusually slow. Part of that is because iOS 26 introduced a new look and interface changes that some users don’t like, leading them to delay upgrading.

Unlike in past years, older versions of iOS won’t get the same security patches anymore, so staying on an older release means missing out on protections entirely.

How this affects everyday people

Personal data at stake: Spyware is more than just annoying ads. Advanced spyware can access messages, photos, location data and even sensor feeds — and users might not notice anything unusual at all.

Not just “high risk” targets: While early attacks may have focused on journalists or executives, cyber threats tend to expand over time. If a vulnerability is out there and unpatched, anyone could be hit.

Practical steps you should take right now

1. Check for updates: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 26.2 or later.
2. Restart your device: A reboot clears memory and ensures patches are actively in place.
3. Turn on automatic updates: This reduces reliance on remembering to patch manually.
4. Stay vigilant: Don’t click suspicious links or open unknown attachments in messages.

Why software updates matter more than ever

In everyday use, it’s tempting to think of updates as optional — a new wallpaper here, an interface tweak there. But when a patch fixes a vulnerability that attackers are already exploiting in the wild, staying current is a basic digital safety step, not a tech luxury.

Keeping your phone up to date protects your privacy, your contacts, and your digital life. And right now, that’s something every iPhone user should take seriously.