Security Alert: Apple Security Updates - February 2026

Apple has released new security updates for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and other Apple products. These updates address multiple security vulnerabilities that could allow cyber threat actors to gain unauthorized access to systems or obtain sensitive information.

Security Risks

The identified issues may disrupt emergency calling, mobile network connectivity, and core services such as FaceTime and iMessage on older Apple devices, with no known security vulnerabilities or exploits.

For the full list of security updates released by Apple, please refer to Apple security releases.

Recommended Actions

The National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) recommends users and system administrators to:

1. Upgrade, as soon as possible, to the latest supported version of installed Apple software in order to continue receiving technical support and security patches.

The following software versions are released for upgrade, including but not limited to:

• iOS 16.7.14 and iPadOS 16.7.14: iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPad 5th generation, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation.
• macOS Big Sur 11.7.11: macOS Big Sur.
• Security Update 2026-001 Catalina: macOS Catalina
• watchOS 10.6.2: Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and SE.
• watchOS 9.6.4: Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, SE, SE 2, and Ultra

2. Enable background updates or automatic updates

3. Before any update task, ensure you have backup for your data.

For further information and support, please contact the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) by emailto rwcsirt@ncsa.gov.rw or call us on 9009.

References

• https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222.
• Apple just released new updates for old versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, more