Apple is implementing an early security software (SW) update to preemptively counter artificial intelligence (AI) cybersecurity risks.
According to Reuters on the 29th (local time), Apple decided to advance the deployment of a security SW update that was originally planned to be distributed collectively in the next iOS operating system (OS) version 26.6, in order to minimize AI-based hacking risks.
Apple has traditionally provided major features-improving large-scale SW updates along with security patches every year in line with the launch of new smartphones. This year, the company has decided to support the new security patch to all users two to three months ahead of the official update.
This decision was made considering that the development speed of AI-based malicious hacking tools has accelerated exponentially. Along with the advancement of cybersecurity-specialized AI models represented by Anthropic's 'Claude Mythos' and OpenAI's 'GPT-5.5 Cyber', the risk of organized hacking attacks targeting SW flaws is constantly present.
Considering the trend where AI dramatically shortens the time for hackers to develop malicious hacking tools, Apple decided to provide security patches in advance to prevent organized hacking attacks targeting new SW flaws.
With this preemptive deployment as a turning point, attention is focused on whether Apple's security policy will change. Given that when a specific security vulnerability is disclosed or discovered, hackers can exploit it and attack quickly, it is predicted that security patches may be distributed in real time as soon as they are developed.
Apple explained that although there is no evidence that actual hackers have exploited the newly discovered vulnerabilities, it is a preventive measure to block potential risks at the source.
Meanwhile, Reuters previously reported that Apple data leaked through hacking in India, which contains information related to the iPhone 18 ahead of its release in the second half of the year, was posted on the dark web.
The Apple-related documents that ransomware group World Leaks stole from India's Tata Electronics and posted on the dark web included core parts, supply chains, and internal photos of the 'iPhone 18'. On the dark web, more than six files were discovered detailing hundreds of major components such as the main circuit board semiconductor, battery, and camera of the iPhone 18 Pro model, as well as partners and suppliers.
Apple has treated information related to the component supply chain as a trade secret, but as the supply chain information was leaked to the outside this time, outlooks emerge that it will affect a decline in bargaining power and an increase in the possibility of security breaches.
