Apple Devices at High Risk: Indian Government Issues Urgent Alert for iPhone, Mac, and iPad Users

The Indian government has issued a serious security alert for Apple users across the country, warning of multiple critical vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to steal sensitive information or even crash devices. Whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or the latest Vision Pro, the message is clear: update your device immediately.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has released a high-severity advisory urging millions of Indian Apple users to install the latest software updates. The alert follows the discovery of major security flaws across Apple’s product ecosystem — flaws that, if exploited, could allow attackers to take over a device remotely.
 

What the Advisory Says

The advisory, numbered CIVN‑2025‑0163, states that the vulnerabilities affect multiple Apple operating systems, including:

• iOS (iPhone)
• iPadOS (iPad)
• macOS (Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura)
• watchOS (Apple Watch)
• tvOS (Apple TV)
• visionOS (Apple Vision Pro)

These vulnerabilities are described as “critical” and “high-risk,” particularly for users who have not yet updated to the latest software versions.
 

How Dangerous Are These Flaws?

CERT-In’s advisory explains that the vulnerabilities stem from serious technical issues such as:

• Buffer overflows
• Use-after-free memory bugs
• Logic errors
• Poor input validation
• Faulty privilege management

If exploited, these bugs can allow cyber attackers to:

• Run arbitrary code (execute any command they want on your device)
• Steal sensitive personal data
• Bypass built-in Apple security protections
• Crash your device or make it unusable via denial-of-service attacks
   

In simple terms, a hacker could take control of your device, spy on your activity, steal data, or shut down your system completely.
 

Who Is Affected?
 

CERT-In warns that Apple users running outdated software are the most vulnerable. Affected devices and versions include:

• iPhones: iOS versions earlier than 18.6
• iPads: iPadOS versions earlier than 17.7.9 or 18.6
• Macs:
•           Sequoia: earlier than version 15.6
•           Sonoma: earlier than 14.7.7
•           Ventura: earlier than 13.7.7
• Apple Watches: watchOS earlier than 11.6
• Apple TV: tvOS earlier than 18.6
• Vision Pro: visionOS earlier than 2.6

Given Apple’s widespread user base in India, CERT-In estimates millions of users could be at risk if they fail to update their devices promptly.
 

Apple Has Already Released Fixes — You Just Need to Update
 

The good news? Apple has already issued security patches to address these vulnerabilities across all affected platforms. The bad news? Many users tend to delay or ignore software updates — something CERT-In is urging everyone to avoid.

To check for and install updates:

• Open your Settings
• Tap General > Software Update
• Download and install the latest available version

For Mac users, open System Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions.
 

Government’s Strong Message to Apple Users

CERT-In has classified this as a “high risk of unauthorized access, data compromise, system manipulation, or service disruption.” That’s strong language — and with good reason. In recent years, hackers have increasingly targeted mobile and personal devices due to their access to critical data like contacts, emails, banking apps, and even biometric details.

This advisory is not just for individual users. Enterprises, government officials, and institutions using Apple devices must act swiftly to secure their systems. Any delay could lead to massive data leaks, financial loss, or identity theft.
 

Final Word: Update Now, Stay Safe
 

As Apple products become more integrated into daily life — from communication and entertainment to work and finance — the cost of ignoring a software update is greater than ever.

With CERT-In's advisory now public, the time to act is now. Update your Apple devices today and encourage others around you to do the same. It’s a simple step that could prevent a major cyber threat.

For more details, users can refer to the full advisory published by CERT-In on their official website.