Apple confirms hidden iOS 26 security update, and Google confirms silent iOS 18 spyware compromise. What you need to know and do.

New emoji, Liquid Glass changes, and more.

Apple provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate versions of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, which means we're going to see a public launch as soon as next week. The RC versions of the software include Apple's official release notes,

Google and its cybersecurity research partners have discovered a new hack called "DarkSword" that can instantly access data from iPhones running iOS 18.

Apple's fourth beta means the stable release is close. From smarter security to AI-powered music tools, iOS 26.4 has a surprising amount worth caring about.

Apple today seeded the release candidate version of upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates to developers and public beta testers, with the software coming a week after Apple provided the fourth betas.

iPhone is ready for proper desktop use, iOS isn’t.

New emojis include ballet dancers, a distorted face, a fight cloud, a sasquatch-like creature, a landslide, an orca, a trombone and a treasure chest.

DarkSword exploit targets iOS 18.4–18.7 using 6 flaws and 3 zero-days, enabling rapid data theft from iPhones across multiple countries.

Numerous reports, including Mashable's own coverage, were published on Wednesday about a new hacker tool called DarkSword that is being used to target iPhones. Apple has now shared with Mashable some important information regarding the threat and how the company is addressing it.