Apple Sends Spyware Threat Notifications to iPhone Users in 110 Countries

Apple has dispatched a new round of spyware threat notifications to customers in 110 countries, warning that their devices may have been targeted by government-linked hacking tools. The alerts were sent on Thursday, bringing the total number of countries where Apple has issued such warnings to more than 150.

In a support article updated this week, Apple says it now delivers threat alerts directly to the iPhone lock screen via push notification. The message reads: “Apple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone. There are actions you can take now to protect your data and device.”

The company also reaches affected users through email and when they sign in to their Apple accounts. Apple says the revised alert experience makes it easier for recipients to find guidance on next steps, including how to secure their iPhones, iPads, or Macs.

These notifications are aimed at people who may have been targeted by spyware typically used by governments, which is capable of hacking into devices and compromising personal data. Apple has periodically issued such warnings, and its latest batch spans users across 110 countries.

John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, was among the first to highlight the new alerts on X. The notifications underscore how widely state-sponsored surveillance has spread around the world, according to Apple.