If you or anyone you know still uses an older iPhone or iPad that cannot run the latest iOS, this is urgent. Apple has released emergency security updates — iOS 15.8.7, iOS 16.7.15, and the equivalent iPadOS versions — specifically to patch a dangerous exploit called Coruna. You need to install the update immediately.
What Is the Coruna Exploit?
The Coruna exploit kit is a collection of tools that can allow attackers to compromise iPhones through malicious websites. It targets Apple devices running iOS 13 through iOS 17.2.1 — covering devices released from September 2019 through December 2023.
The kit packs 23 individual exploits organized into five complete attack chains and was described by researchers as “nation-state grade” — one of the most potent mobile threats observed in recent years.
An exploit potentially developed by a government actor leaked to the black market and has since been modified by cybercriminals to perform tasks like draining cryptocurrency accounts. Later research found it deployed in large-scale attacks on fake Chinese financial websites, meaning it is now being used far beyond its original targeted scope.
The most alarming aspect of Coruna is how easy it is to trigger. Attackers can take full control of an affected device simply by tricking the user into visiting a malicious website — no app download or interaction required beyond opening a link.
Who Is Affected?
iOS 15.8.7 covers: iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE 1st generation, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4th generation, and iPod touch 7th generation.
iOS 16.7.15 covers: iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPad 5th generation, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation.
If your device can run iOS 17 or later, this specific patch does not apply — the Coruna fixes were already incorporated into iOS 16.6 through iOS 17.3 in updates released in 2023 and 2024. These new updates backport those same fixes to older devices that cannot upgrade further.
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How to Update Right Now
Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your older iPhone or iPad. If iOS 15.8.7 or iOS 16.7.15 appears, install it immediately.
If you have elderly family members or anyone still using an older iPhone, help them install this update today. Apple did not send push notifications about this update, meaning many affected users may not know it exists.
For devices that cannot install any update and cannot be retired, Apple recommends enabling Lockdown Mode as a mitigation measure.
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