Now Reading: Apple warns iPhones in 110 countries of government spyware
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Apple warns iPhones in 110 countries of government spyware
Apple has sent fresh threat notifications to users in 110 countries, warning that their iPhones, iPads, or Macs may have been targeted by highly sophisticated 'mercenary spyware' capable of remote compromise. The…
The Story in Brief
Apple has sent fresh threat notifications to users in 110 countries, warning that their iPhones, iPads, or Macs may have been targeted by highly sophisticated 'mercenary spyware' capable of remote compromise. The alerts, sent on August 13, 2026, now appear directly on device lock screens for easier access, alongside email and Apple Account notifications.
Apple says it has notified users in over 150 countries since starting these warnings in 2021. The company does not attribute attacks to specific governments or spyware operators. It recommends enabling Lockdown Mode, which it says has never been successfully breached in a confirmed mercenary spyware attack. Targeted users can seek help from the non-profit Digital Security Helpline at Access Now.
The Indian Opinion
Mercenary spyware is real and dangerous, but the breathless coverage risks turning Apple's targeted warnings into a panic button for every user. Most of us will never be targeted. The real story here is not that Apple sent alerts, but that companies like NSO Group keep finding buyers among governments. The real question: which government paid for the attacks against those 110 countries' citizens, and what will our own government do about it?
Sources (3): republicworld.com, timesnownews.com, livemint.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
