iOS 26, released on September 15, 2025, includes specific security updates for iPhone models starting from iPhone 11 and newer, including the iPhone 15 series. This version introduces improved security measures across various components of the operating system to protect users from vulnerabilities and attacks.
Key security updates in iOS 26 for iPhone 15 and newer include:
- Apple Neural Engine vulnerability fix: Addressed an out-of-bounds access issue that could cause unexpected system termination by improving bounds checking (CVE-2025-43344). This is significant for apps using the Neural Engine on supported devices including iPhone 15 and later.
- AppleMobileFileIntegrity permissions fix: Resolved a permissions issue that could allow an app to access sensitive user data by adding additional restrictions (CVE-2025-43317).
- Audio processing security: Fixed an out-of-bounds access flaw in the audio subsystem that could lead to app termination or memory corruption when processing maliciously crafted media files (CVE-2025-43346).
- Sandbox escape vulnerability: Patched a permissions flaw that could allow an app to break out of its restricted sandbox environment, improving system security boundaries (CVE-2025-43329).
- Shortcuts app permissions: Added sandbox restrictions to prevent shortcuts from bypassing security controls, reducing risks from shortcut automation exploits (CVE-2025-43358).
- System input validation: Removed vulnerable code causing input validation issues that could be exploited (CVE-2025-43347).
- Text Input privacy: Fixed a bug where keyboard suggestions could expose sensitive information on the lock screen by restricting suggestions on locked devices (CVE-2025-24133).
These fixes collectively address memory safety, permissions, sandbox restrictions, and privacy concerns, strengthening iOS security on iPhone 15 and newer models. Apple references these vulnerabilities with CVE identifiers and credits researchers who helped discover them.
Beyond security, iOS 26 features a major UI redesign called Liquid Glass, enhancing transparency and dynamic movement in the interface. The update also brings AI-powered features like visual intelligence for screenshots and live translation for calls and messages. Users benefit not only from security protections but also from enhancements in Apple apps (Maps, Playback, Wallet) and system services.
Apple continues to support iOS 18 with security updates for older devices, but iPhone 15 users and other compatible devices gain longer-term benefits by upgrading to iOS 26, ensuring they receive the latest patches and security improvements. Apple advises users to enable automatic updates to maintain protection.
In summary, iOS 26 security updates for iPhone 15 and newer focus on fixing vulnerabilities related to system crashes, unauthorized data access, sandbox escape, media processing, input validation, and privacy leaks, making it a crucial update for users aiming to keep their devices secure in 2025 and beyond.