Security update · October 26, 2026
Please update your iPhone, iPad and Mac this week
On Monday, Apple fixed 163 security holes in iPhones and 263 in Macs. That is about twice the size of a normal update, and one of the largest this year.
It takes about 20 minutes. Plug in tonight, follow the steps below, and turn on automatic updates so you don't have to think about it next time.
Why it matters
Just visiting a website can be enough
10 of the iPhone holes could let a booby-trapped web page or a nearby attacker run their own code on your phone. You wouldn't have to download anything.
Many are serious
29 of the iPhone fixes and 71 of the Mac fixes are the serious kind: ways to take over the device or get past its built-in protections.
The clock starts now
Apple knows of no attacks on current iPhones or Macs using these yet. But once a fix is public, criminals study it to go after people who haven't updated.
How big is this update?
Security fixes in each iPhone update over the past year.
How to update, step by step
Before you start
- Plug the device in and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Set aside 20 to 40 minutes. You can't use the device while it restarts. Starting it before bed works well.
- Your apps, photos and messages stay as they are. A recent iCloud backup is still a good idea.
iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings, then tap General › Software Update.
- Tap Update Now (or Download and Install). If you see two choices, either one has the security fixes.
- Enter your passcode and agree to the terms.
- Wait while it downloads. It then restarts and shows the Apple logo with a progress bar. Leave it plugged in.
- Check it worked: Settings › General › About should show a version from the table below.
- Go back to Software Update › Automatic Updates and turn on every switch.
Mac
- Save your work and close your apps. Plug in a laptop.
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then System Settings › General › Software Update.
- Click Update Now (or Restart Now) and enter your Mac password.
- The Mac restarts, and the screen may go black or restart more than once. That's normal.
- Check it worked: Apple menu › About This Mac should show a version from the table below.
- Back in Software Update, click the ⓘ next to Automatic Updates and turn everything on.
If something goes wrong
- No update showing: restart the device and check again, since it can take a day to appear. If nothing ever shows, see the last row of the table below.
- "Not enough space": Settings › General › iPhone Storage shows what's taking room. Remove apps you don't use or old videos, then try again.
- Stuck on the Apple logo: leave it plugged in. If it hasn't moved in over an hour, call Apple Support at 1-800-275-2273.
- Watch for scams: Apple never texts, calls or emails asking you to install an update from a link. Only update from Settings or System Settings.
Which version you should see afterwards
| Device | Up to date means |
|---|---|
| iPhone 11 or newer, most iPads | iOS / iPadOS 27.2 (or 26.7.2 if you chose to stay on iOS 26) |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, iPad 7th gen | iOS / iPadOS 18.7.11. This fixes a flaw Apple says was used in real attacks, so it matters most. |
| Mac on macOS Golden Gate | macOS 27.2 |
| Mac on Tahoe or Sequoia | macOS Tahoe 26.7.2 or Sequoia 15.8.2 |
| Nothing offered? | Your device may no longer get security fixes. It's worth replacing if you use it for banking or email. |