Updated on Feb. 12, 2025: This article was first published on Feb. 11. It now includes more expert analysis on the security flaw fixed in iOS 18.3.1 and details about a possible Apple Intelligence bug.

Apple has released iOS 18.3.1 and is urging iPhone users to update right away. This update is an emergency fix for a serious security issue that hackers are already using in real attacks.

Apple hasn’t shared many details about the fix. This is to give users time to update before more hackers learn about the issue.

What we do know is that iOS 18.3.1 fixes a problem in Accessibility. The flaw could allow a physical attack to turn off USB Restricted Mode on a locked iPhone. Apple said it is aware of a report that this flaw was used in a highly advanced attack on specific people.

The security issue, known as CVE-2025-24200, was fixed in iOS 18.3.1. It was discovered by Bill Marczak from The Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto’s Munk School.

iOS 18.3.1 — A Targeted Attack

According to security expert Josh Long, Apple introduced USB Restricted Mode in iOS 11.4.1, and it is included in all later versions of iOS and iPadOS. This feature stops locked devices from sharing data with any accessories connected through the USB-C or Lightning port.

If you want an accessory to do more than just charge your iPhone or iPad, you must unlock your device when you connect it.

This helps stop hacker tools like Grayshift’s GreyKey from breaking into locked devices, says Long. These tools are usually used by governments and law enforcement, but they could end up in the wrong hands.

This type of attack is serious, as shown by the fact that The Citizen Lab—an organization that investigates digital spying—reported the issue.

People expected iOS 18.3.1 to be released because it was leaked last week, but no one knew what was in it. At the time, I guessed it might include urgent security fixes, and I was right. Apple had just released iOS 18.3 at the end of January, which shows how urgent this update is.

iOS 18.3.1 Apple Intelligence “Bug”

A report from 9to5Mac says that iOS 18.3.1 automatically turns Apple Intelligence back on, even if you had turned it off when updating to iOS 18.3.

Developer Jeff Johnson first noticed this issue, which also affects macOS 15.3.1. Security researcher Will Dormann had the same problem on iOS. Unlike before, there is no “Skip For Now” option.

This is not a major problem, so Apple will likely fix it soon. In the meantime, if you update to iOS 18.3.1, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and turn Apple Intelligence off again.

Why You Should Update to iOS 18.3.1 Now

This update fixes a serious security issue that targeted important people like journalists, dissidents, businesses, and government officials. If you are in one of these groups, update immediately.

Since hackers are already using this security flaw, all iPhone users should update to iOS 18.3.1 right away, says Adam Boynton, a security expert at Jamf.

This flaw allows an attacker to gain full control of the device, letting them act as the owner and run any software they want, he warns.

However, Apple says this flaw cannot be exploited remotely, meaning an attacker would need to physically access the iPhone to carry out the attack. Boynton explains that the hacker would likely need to hold the device in their hands to turn off USB Restricted Mode on a locked phone. Because this is a complex, hands-on attack, it is more likely to target high-value individuals.

Even so, Boynton urges all users to update to iOS 18.3.1 to stay safe.

“Updating your device with the latest security fixes is one of the best ways to protect against hackers,” he says.

Apple has released iOS 18.3.1 for iPhone XS and newer models. It is also available for certain iPads, including:

  • iPad Pro 13-inch
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and newer)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and newer)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and newer)
  • iPad (7th generation and newer)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and newer)

If you have one of these devices, you should update now to keep your iPhone or iPad safe from security threats.

Apple also released iPadOS 17.7.5, but this is only for the following iPads:

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad (6th generation)

There is no new update for older iPhones running iOS 17. Apple has not said if it will continue updating iOS 17 for those who choose to stay on the older system.

Since hackers are using the security flaw fixed in iOS 18.3.1, updating your iPhone is very important. To update, go to Settings > Software Update and install iOS 18.3.1 now.

Published: 12th February 2025

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