Apple has released iOS 18.3.1, an emergency patch that fixes a single security issue thats already ... [+] being used in real-life attacks.Apple iPhone Apple has released iOS 18.3.1, along with a warning to update your iPhone now. Thats because iOS 18.3.1 is an emergency patch that fixes a single security issue thats already being used in real-life attacks.Apple doesnt give much detail about whats fixed in iOS 18.3.1, to give iPhone users as much time as possible to update before more attackers can get hold of the details.But what we do know is, the iOS 18.3.1 update fixes a flaw in Accessibility where a physical attack may disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals, the iPhone maker said on its support page.Tracked as CVE-2025-24200, the issue patched in iOS 18.3.1 was reported by Bill Marczak of The Citizen Lab at The University of Torontos Munk School.iOS 18.3.1 A Targeted Attack Involving SpywareThe fact that the flaw fixed in iOS 18.3.1 was so targeted and sophisticated indicates the attack involved spyware. This is further backed up by the fact that the vulnerability was reported by The Citizen Lab an organization that investigates digital espionage against civil society.MORE FOR YOUIt was clear iOS 18.3.1 was coming the update had been leaked last week, but no one knew what it contained. At the time, I speculated that it could include emergency security fixes, and it looks like I was right. Apple only released iOS 18.3 at the end of Jan., again illustrating the emergency nature of this iPhone upgrade.Why You Should Update Now to iOS 18.3.1Make no mistake, spyware attacks are bad, giving adversaries complete control of your device including your mic. Spyware can also allow attackers to see anything om your screen including encrypted messages such as WhatsApp.The attack fixed in iOS 18.3.1 was highly-targeted, with spyware affecting high-profile people such as journalists, dissidents, some businesses and government officials. If you fit into this group, update right now.Spyware can also be disrupted if you turn your iPhone on and off again, so do this regularly if you fit into the spyware target group.Apples iOS 18.3.1 is available for the iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later. If you have one of these devices, you should update now to protect your iPhone or iPad from attacks.Apple issued iOS 18.3.1 alongside iPadOS 17.7.5, but this is only available for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad 6th generation. There is no iPhone update for older iPhones which could be because they are not impacted, but as far as I am aware, Apple is not updating iOS 17 for this who simply want to choose to stay on the older operating system.With the flaw fixed in iOS 18.3.1 being used in real-life attacks, its essential that you update your iPhone now to keep it safe. You know what to do. Go to your Settings > Software Update and upgrade your iPhone to iOS 18.3.1.