Apple issues urgent warning to all 1.8 billion iPhone users

Apple has issued an urgent warning to iPhone users, so if you're one of the 1.8 billion people around the world who owns one of the smartphones, you might want to listen up.

There's a common misconception that iPhones are 'immune' to things like malware, but this simply isn't the case.

Apple recently identified a significant security gap that could potentially allow hackers to get into iPhone users' personal data including photos, messages and app information.

The security risk comes from two Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) - weak spots in the iPhone's software - which can cause problems if someone opens a specially designed image or video.

iPhone users have been warned about a serious security gap that could give hackers and entry point to their personal dats (Tim Robberts/Getty Stock Images)

When an iPhone processes an image or video, it expects the file to follow certain rules. However, a hacker can create a file that breaks these rules ands tricks the iPhone into making an error.

Apple explained that these 'maliciously crafted' files could make an app crash unexpectedly, mess up the phone's memory and offer an entry point for hackers to access our data.

Safe Data Storage told The Mirror: "If someone sends you a seemingly innocent image and your phone hasn't been updated, it could silently wreak havoc or grant intruders access to your private file."

Fortunately, there's a pretty simple way to prevent this from happening.

Hackers can create 'maliciously crafted' files that when opened, can cause glitches, memory issues and allow them to access our data (Cheng Xin/Getty Images)

Apple are now urging all iPhone users to install their latest security upgrade, iOS 18.5, which includes a fix to the critical security issue.

Released on 12 May, the update is available to anyone with an iPhone model XS or later and blocks the entry point for hackers by adding better checks to stop harmful files from giving users trouble.

According to the tech giant, it deals with a vulnerability that involves 'processing a maliciously crafted image [that] may lead to unexpected app termination or corrupt process memory.'

Now, all the company has to do is make sure we all install it.

Apple urges iPhone users to install iOS 18.5, which includes a fix to the security problem (Jacques Julien/Getty Stock Images)

"Apple acted fast, but users need to act, too. Updating your device is one of the most important things you can do to protect your private information," the Safe Data Storage representative explained.

"Tell your parents, your grandparents, your neighbour - anyone with an iPhone. These updates aren’t optional anymore - they’re your first line of defence.

"The longer someone delays updating, the longer they leave that door open.

"And many people - especially grandparents or those less tech-savvy - don’t realise just how important these updates are."