Apple has rolled out a new update for older devices such as the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7, among others. The move comes after recent research from Google and iVerify revealed a powerful exploit kit called Coruna that could leave these devices vulnerable to attacks. The update primarily delivers security fixes for older hardware that cannot run the latest iOS versions, including iOS 16.7.15, iOS 15.8.7, iPadOS 16.7.15, and iPadOS 15.8.7.
Last week, security researchers from Google and iVerify disclosed details on Coruna. It chains together 23 vulnerabilities across multiple exploit paths to break into iPhones and Apple’s devices that are running older versions of iOS.
In some cases, attackers could compromise a device simply by making the user open a malicious web page or link, exploiting weaknesses in Apple’s WebKit browser engine and the system kernel.
Apple confirmed that the new updates fix vulnerabilities in the kernel — the core part of the operating system — and WebKit, the web engine that powers Safari and other apps, which could otherwise be exploited by the Coruna toolkit. Notably, these fixes are already included in newer versions of iOS and with this new update, Apple just backported them to older devices.
Which devices are affected
The affected devices include the iPhone 6s (2015), iPhone 7 (2016), iPhone 8 and iPhone X (2017), iPhone SE 1st generation (2016), and older iPads such as the iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro 1st generation, both launched in 2015.
It is worth noting that Apple typically provides around five to six years of major iOS updates. The new update extending support to older devices such as the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 means these handsets are receiving software support even after more than a decade.
Apple has released a minor software update — iOS 26.3.1 and iPadOS 26.3.1 — for its iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems. The update primarily addresses bug fixes and system improvements. The update also adds support for new hardware such as the latest Apple Studio Display and Studio Display XDR monitors, according to Apple’s release notes. While it does not introduce major new features, the update aims to improve stability and performance across compatible iPhones and iPads. Users can download the update over-the-air through the Settings app by navigating to General and selecting Software Update.
