Dubai: Apple has released a security update for older iPhones and iPads that fixes a vulnerability attackers may have exploited in sophisticated cyberattacks targeting specific individuals.

Released on October 26, the update extends protection to older devices still receiving iOS 18 security fixes. Apple had already patched the same flaw for newer devices in September.

What is the security risk?

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-86950, affects CoreGraphics, a part of Apple's operating system that handles images, text and other visual content.

The flaw could let attackers run malicious code on a vulnerable device by tricking it into processing a specially crafted file.

Apple says it is aware of a report that the vulnerability may have been used in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific individuals running versions of iOS before iOS 27.

The company has not identified the alleged victims or disclosed details of the attacks.…