Apple rolls out iOS 18.3.1 update with critical security patch for zero-day bug in iPhones

The zero-day security vulnerability in iPhones may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.

It's been barely two weeks since Apple rolled out the major iOS 18.3 update to all eligible iPhones. It introduced Visual Intelligence features along with bug fixes.

Now, it has come to light that there was a serious security vulnerability in iPhones that needed an urgent fix. A hacker with a sophisticated tool could disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device. The zero-day bug marked as 'CVE-2025-24200' was detected by Bill Marczak of The Citizen Lab at The University of Toronto’s Munk School.

For the uninitiated, zero-day means a software security vulnerability, where the concerned experts (in this case, engineers at Apple) were previously unaware of its existence, but some hackers may have used it to attack systems.

Apple has acknowledged the issue that it may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.

Apple iOS 18.3.1 update.

The company has released a new iOS 18.3.1 update to the devices to plug the security loophole in iPhones. Even iPads have received similar security patches.

All device owners are advised to update their devices to the latest version as soon as possible to safeguard against emerging cyber threats.

List of iPhone models eligible for iOS 18.3.1 update:

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2nd generation or newer version).

List of iPad variants eligible for iPadOS 18.3.1 update:

iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and newer version), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and newer models), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd gen and newer variant), iPad (7th gen and later), and the iPad mini (5th gen and newer version).

Here's how to install the iOS/iPadOS 18.3.1 on iPhones and iPads:

Via OTA (Over-The-Air)

Prerequisite: Users' who want to install the update directly onto the device through OTA, make sure there is enough storage space and the device should have more than 50% battery life, before initiating the download of the new iOS/iPad update.

Step 1: Settings >> General >> Software update

Via manual installation through Apple iTunes

Prerequisite: Make sure to back up your iPhone/iPad with either iCloud or iTunes before initiating the download procedure. Also, your PC must have the latest version of the iTunes app. If not, Go to About and then Check for Updates or visit iTunes.com.

Step 1: Launch iTunes on your Mac or PC.

Step 2: Insert your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it isn't already.

Step 3: Tap on the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in the top left navigation.

Step 4: Tap on the Check for Update button in the first section that contains information about your device and alternately you can click Restore instead if you'd like to do a clean wipe with updated software.

Step 5: An update should be recognized, click on Download and Update in the popup menu and agree to the terms or conditions.

Step 6: Unlock your device with your passcode if prompted to continue with the upgrade.

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