Technologies

You Need to Download This iOS 18 Update ASAP if You Aren’t on iOS 26

Apple doesn’t regularly release a critical update for previous iOS versions but DarkSword appears to be a serious threat.

Apple made an unusual decision on Wednesday, April 1, and released a new version of iOS 18.7.7 to combat a new hacking toolkit called DarkSword. Now, more devices, like the iPhone 16e, can download the update to protect themselves from the toolkit without having to update to iOS 26. This update was only available on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR models when it was originally released March 24.

To download iOS 18.7.7, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If the update is available on your device, you should see a prompt to download and install it.

«We enabled the availability of iOS 18.7.7 for more devices on April 1, 2026, so users with Automatic Updates turned on can automatically receive important security protections from web attacks called DarkSword,» Apple wrote in the update’s vulnerabilities notes.

Apple’s decision to release this update is odd because the company usually recommends updating your device to the most recent iOS version for the most protection, rather than issuing an update to an older version. But the company is still recommending people download iOS 26 to protect their device against DarkSword.

«If possible, update to the latest version of iOS 26, which contains the strongest security protections,» Apple wrote.

About one-fifth of iPhones from the past four years are still running a version of iOS 18, according to Apple’s own data. That means those devices are vulnerable to DarkSword, which could access data on your device, like your messages and crypto wallets.

DarkSword attacks do appear to be limited to people outside the US, specifically in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Ukraine, according to Google’s Threat Intelligence Group. But TechCrunch found the toolkit publicly available on GitHub. So it could be easier for more malicious actors to deploy DarkSword.

«Public availability of this kit is extremely worrisome given the high number of remaining active vulnerable devices,» Christoph Hebeisen, director of security intelligence research for the firm Lookout, told CNET’s Katelyn Chedraoui. «Opportunistic attacks using this exploit kit appear very likely.»

So if you can’t update to iOS 26 because your device doesn’t support it — or you just don’t want to update to the latest version — you should download iOS 18.7.7 now. Seriously, please do it. And if your phone doesn’t support iOS 18, Apple suggests Lockdown Mode to keep your device safe.

For more iOS news, here’s what to know about iOS 26.4 and all the tips and tricks in iOS 26 now.

Technologies

The Fourth Episode of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Out

Verum Messenger has released the fourth episode of its AI mini-series SHADOWS, created using Verum AI. The new episode, titled “No Borders,” continues the story of a team trying to stay out of the OMEGA corporation’s sight.

Following the events of the previous episodes, the team moves between cities and countries while OMEGA continues its search. The new episode puts particular emphasis on Verum Messenger’s capabilities that allow users to conceal their location.

“No Borders” is another chapter in a story about privacy, freedom of communication, and technologies that erase borders between people.

The VERUM AI mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 4 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube