**Apple Expands DarkSword Protection to More Devices: What You Need to Know**

In a move to enhance the security of its users, Apple has expanded the availability of iOS 18.7.7 to a wider range of devices, allowing more iPhones and iPads still running iOS 18 to receive critical security patches for the actively exploited DarkSword exploit kit. The update was rolled out on April 1, 2026, as part of Apple's ongoing efforts to protect its users from web attacks.

**The DarkSword Exploit Kit: A Growing Threat**

DarkSword is an exploit kit that targets iPhones running iOS versions 18.4 through 18.7, leveraging six vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-31277, CVE-2025-43529, CVE-2026-20700, CVE-2025-14174, CVE-2025-43510, and CVE-2025-43520) to gain unauthorized access to devices. Unlike most iOS exploit kits, which are often used in targeted spyware campaigns, DarkSword has seen broader deployment, with confirmed users including PARS Defense, a Turkish commercial surveillance company, and suspected Russian espionage groups.

**What You Need to Know About the Update**

Apple started patching DarkSword vulnerabilities gradually from iOS 18.6 onward, but newer hardware still operating on iOS 18 was no longer receiving updates by late 2025. The latest update, iOS 18.7.7, expands support to a much larger range of devices, including:

* iPhone XR * iPhone XS * iPhone XS Max * All models of the iPhone 11 * Second-generation iPhone SE * All models of the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 * The 16e * iPad mini fifth generation * iPad seventh generation * iPad Air third through fifth generations * iPad Air 11-inch models with M2 and M3 chips * 13-inch iPad Air with M2 and M3 chips * iPad Pro 11-inch versions from the first generation through M4 * iPad Pro 12.9-inch models from the third through sixth generations

**Updating to iOS 18.7.7: A Simple Process**

For devices with Automatic Updates enabled, the update will be installed automatically without any manual steps. Users who have automatic updates turned off can manually install the update by:

1. Opening Settings 2. Tapping General 3. Selecting Software Update

Apple notes that the fixes related to DarkSword were first released in 2025, and users on iOS 18 who haven't installed incremental updates may receive multiple vulnerability patches with this one update.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, Apple's decision to expand support for iOS 18.7.7 to more devices is a significant step towards enhancing the security of its users. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it's essential for device owners to stay up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates to protect their devices from web attacks like DarkSword.

**Related Posts**

* [The Rise of DarkSword: Understanding the Exploit Kit](https://hackerpranks.com/the-rise-of-darksword-understanding-the-exploit-kit/) * [iOS Security Patches: What You Need to Know](https://hackerpranks.com/ios-security-patches-what-you-need-to-know/)