Apple Forces Update: iOS 18.7.3 Only for Older iPhones—Act Fast
Millions of iPhone XS, XR users face spyware threats. Apple confirms iOS 18.7.3 patch is mandatory for older devices. Don’t delay updating.
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Apple has verified that iOS 18.7.3 has been released and is compatible only with older iPhone models such as XS, XS Max and XR. Along with the update happened to fix the recently detected critical security vulnerabilities, millions of devices had their risk of exposure increased owing to these weaknesses.
The release of Apple came during a debate among users, whether to stay with iOS 18 or switch to iOS 26. Devices that are not capable of running iOS 26 will still get iOS 18.7.3, but the newer models will not get the patch under iOS 18. The tech giant has indicated that users who choose not to upgrade run the risk of having their devices infected with spyware or subjected to other nefarious activities.
Even if users are worried about running out of storage space or are simply not happy with iOS 26's look and feel, cybersecurity experts are advocating for the update in unison. “Defending against attacks is only possible through continuous updating; continued delays to the opening of patches' windows will only benefit the attackers,” said Darren Guccione, a spokesperson for Keeper Security.
According to Apple's security update notes, the first of the bugs that would allow hackers to lean over the shoulder of innocent users and control devices have been killed off. The software patch is the result of a collaborative fight against spyware campaigns that have been targeting mobile devices by both tech giants Apple and Google.
As a matter-of-factly, the U.S. federal government has also taken the position of mandating that all the employees working on government projects must update their devices by January 5, 2026. The authorities clearly state that these risks are not just for government employees but for everyone and thus recommend the swift installation of latest security patches.
There are still some users who resists moving to the newer iOS 26 and they are expressing their intention to stick to current versions in various online forums. Experts are warning that this way of thinking is a very dangerous one. The release of iOS 26 comes with security features that are not only stronger but that also prevent exploiting the weaknesses of previous software.
The situation has gotten so bad that cybersecurity experts are referring to it as “Dangerous December,” with hacking attempts aimed at both Apple and Android customers at the same time. As a result, Google has also alerted Android and Chrome users to the need for updates right away, thus making it clear that the situation requires the utmost attention.
Apple encourages all owners of iPhones to check their device settings and to install the latest updates right away. For iPhones that are too old to receive an upgrade to iOS 26, iOS 18.7.3 is the last line of defense against being spied on by active spyware.
