Apple issues emergency security updates for all of its platforms, update your iPhone, iPad and Mac Now

MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021 sitting on a patio table

Apple has released emergency security updates in order to patch a new zero-day vulnerability that’s being used to hack vulnerable iPhones, iPads and Macs.

As reported by BleepingComputer, this zero-day vulnerability (tracked as CVE-2023-23529) was discovered by an anonymous researcher and has now been patched with the release of iOS 16.3.1, iPadOS 16.3.1 and macOS 13.2.1.

The flaw itself is a WebKit confusion issue and if exploited by an attacker, it could be used to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable iPhones, iPads and Mac after a user navigates to a malicious website.

To make matters worse, Apple is aware of a recent report which indicates that this zero-day vulnerability “may have been actively exploited” in the wild. This is why the iPhone maker has quickly released emergency security updates for iOS, iPadOS and macOS.

Impacted devices: iPhones, iPads and Macs

Since this zero-day vulnerability affects iOS, iPadOS and macOS, the list of impacted devices is quite extensive.

If you own an impacted device, it is highly recommended that you download these new security updates and install them as soon as possible.

For instance, the iPhone 8 and all subsequent iPhone models are affected as well as every model of the iPad Pro, the iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later and the iPad mini 5th generation and later according to a support page from Apple. At the same time, every Mac running macOS Ventura is also affected.

While Apple has said that it has received word about this zero-day vulnerability being actively exploited in the wild, the company hasn’t provided details about these attacks at this time. This is likely because it wants as many iPhone, iPad and Mac users as possible to update their devices with these new security updates before it reveals more.

If you own an impacted device, it is highly recommended that you download these new security updates and install them as soon as possible as the hackers behind these attacks are likely waiting to target those still using vulnerable devices.

How to keep your Apple devices safe from hackers

A padlock resting next to the Apple logo on the lid of a gold-colored Apple laptop.

(Image credit: robert coolen/Shutterstock)

Besides installing the latest security updates, there are several other ways to ensure that your Apple devices are protected from hackers.

If you use a MacBook, iMac, Mac Mini or any other Apple computer, you may want to invest in one of the best Mac antivirus software solutions as these programs can help keep you safe from malware and other threats. Likewise, using one of the best password managers can help keep your credentials out of the hands of hackers.

While there aren’t actually any iPhone antivirus apps due to Apple’s own restrictions, Intego Premium Bundle X9 is a Mac antivirus app that can also scan your iPhone and iPad for malware when connected to your Mac via a USB cable.

Although we don’t actually know that much regarding this new zero-day vulnerability and how it’s being exploited in the wild, the fact that Apple released emergency security updates for all of its platforms is reason enough to take this threat seriously.

Anthony Spadafora
Managing Editor Security and Home Office

Anthony Spadafora is the managing editor for security and home office furniture at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. He also reviews standing desks, office chairs and other home office accessories with a penchant for building desk setups. Before joining the team, Anthony wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

Read more
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Review.
Apple just released an emergency security update for a flaw used in an ‘extremely sophisticated attack’ — update your devices right now
iPhone 16 Pro shown held in hand
Apple just patched its first zero-day flaw of the year — update your iPhone and Mac right now
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
iOS 18.3.1 — update your iPhone right now to fix critical zero-day vulnerability
MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021 sitting on a patio table
Critical macOS flaw puts your data and cameras at risk — update right now
A padlock resting next to the Apple logo on the lid of a gold-colored Apple laptop.
Mac and iPhone users beware — Apple processors can be exploited to steal sensitive information
Windows
240 million Windows 10 users are vulnerable to six different hacker exploits — protect yourself now
Latest in iPhones
iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air — new survey could be bad news for Apple's super thin iPhone
Render of the alleged design of the iPhone 17 Pro
New iPhone 17 Pro dummy leak highlights redesigned camera and part glass body
Siri in iOS 18 on iPhone
Users complain that Siri can’t answer even the most basic questions — here’s what we know
iPhone 16 next to samsung galaxy watch 7 and bose wireless earbuds on a composite image
Apple's walled garden is crumbling — EU orders iOS to open up to third-party devices
Apple iPhone 16 & 16 Plus hands-on.
Forget USB-C — a truly portless iPhone just got the all-clear from the EU
iPhone Flip render
iPhone Flip could solve one of the biggest problems with foldable phones — here's how
Latest in News
Rendered images of rumored foldable iPhone.
Foldable iPhone report just revealed key details — here's what we know
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Saturday, March 23 (#651)
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #385 (Sunday, March 23 2025)
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 rumored specs — here’s what we know so far
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Pro — 7 biggest rumored upgrades
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 leak could be good news for all Android phones