What is the critical security vulnerability Apple fixed?

Apple fixed a zero-day vulnerability tracked as CVE-2026-20700, which could allow attackers to run arbitrary code on devices.

Which Apple devices are affected by the security flaw?

The vulnerability affects iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches running older versions of their operating systems.

Why should I update my Apple devices immediately?

The vulnerability was actively exploited by attackers, meaning delaying updates leaves your device exposed to potential spyware or takeovers.

Home / Technology / Apple Patches Critical Zero-Day Flaw

Apple Patches Critical Zero-Day Flaw

18 Feb

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Summary

Apple released a major security update for iPhones and Macs.
The update fixes a zero-day vulnerability actively exploited by attackers.
Users are urged to update devices immediately to close security gaps.

Apple has released a significant security update to patch a zero-day vulnerability that was actively being exploited by attackers. This critical flaw, identified as CVE-2026-20700, posed a serious risk as it could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. This capability could enable the deployment of spyware, the establishment of hidden backdoors, or silent device takeovers without detection.

The vulnerability impacted multiple Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. Attackers were chaining this new flaw with previously patched vulnerabilities from December 2025, targeting devices that had not yet received those earlier fixes. This highlights the danger of delaying software updates, as it leaves systems exposed to sophisticated attack chains.

Apple has now released the necessary updates to close this security window. Users with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches are strongly urged to install these updates as soon as possible. Keeping devices updated is the simplest and most effective method to protect against current cyber threats, preventing potential security breaches that could occur with just a few minutes of vulnerability.

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