If you still have an older iPhone, think iPhone 8, iPhone 7, or even an iPhone 6s, this is one software update you genuinely shouldn’t skip. Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has pushed out iOS 15 and iPadOS 16 security updates for older devices that can no longer upgrade to the latest builds, specifically to address a serious exploit called Coruna, which was disclosed last week by Google and iVerify. The vulnerability has been linked to targeted financial fraud and it’s nasty enough that acting quickly actually matters here.
What The Coruna Exploit Actually Does
Google and iVerify published details on Coruna a few days ago and the scope of it is genuinely alarming. The exploit chains together no fewer than 23 vulnerabilities across five full iOS exploit chains to break into older iPhones and iPads. It uses a toolkit approach, picking the right entry point depending on the device and once inside, the damage it can do goes well beyond simple data access.
The iPhone maker confirmed that Coruna can scan photos stored on a device using OCR, Optical Character Recognition, to read text within images. That means if you’ve ever photographed a bank card, a PIN reminder, or a password note, the exploit could extract that information silently. It can then access your online banking from a separate device and download a customised module built to compromise specific banking apps. It’s a remarkably thorough attack chain for a vulnerability targeting what most people assume are “safe” older devices.
Which Devices Are Getting The Update
Apple has addressed the Coruna exploit through two separate security updates, depending on the device. The iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are receiving iOS 16.7.15, which patches the kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities associated with the exploit. Older models, including the iPhone SE (first generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 6s are getting iOS 15.8.7. Corresponding iPadOS updates have also been pushed out for eligible iPad models. Apple says the updates are designed for devices that cannot upgrade to the latest iOS version.
How To Install The Update Right Now
Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If the update is available for your device, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. Given what Coruna is capable of, treating this as optional would be a mistake.
