Threats · 45 days ago
Apple said it sent new spyware alerts to users in 110 countries and now delivers those notices directly to the iPhone lock screen, alongside email and account-login alerts. The company says the updated guidance makes it easier for recipients to see what happened and what to do next.
The change matters because a back-end warning can now appear before the user opens mail or account settings, so a suspected target is more likely to notice it quickly. Apple’s notices are aimed at government and mercenary spyware campaigns, not routine malware, and the company says it has never seen a device compromised while Lockdown Mode was enabled.
For teams supporting journalists, diplomats, activists, or other high-risk users, the alert itself is part of the incident surface: one notification can trigger help requests and wider investigations into abuse, not just a single-device cleanup.
3 sources covering this story
Apple Warns Users in 110 Countries They May Be Targets of Mercenary Spyware
Apple alerts suspected mercenary spyware targets in 110 countries, expanding threat notifications that have reached users in over 150 countries.
Apple now sends out push notifications to iPhone lock screens when the company identifies government spyware targeting someone's devices.
Apple sends new ‘Threat Notification’ alerts over mercenary spyware attacks
You're not alone if you just received an
Part of the PlainSec briefing for 2026-08-15