Apple sends Lock Screen spyware warnings to iPhone users in 110 countries

Apple is putting mercenary spyware warnings where they are hard to miss: on the iPhone Lock Screen.

Apple confirmed to Fox News CyberGuy Kurt Knutsson that threat notifications were sent Aug. 13 to targeted users in 110 countries. To date the company has notified users in more than 150 countries. Alerts can also appear in Settings, by email to Apple Account addresses, and after signing in at Apple's account website.

The Lock Screen message says Apple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone and that there are actions you can take now. Apple says these attacks are far more sophisticated and expensive than ordinary malware, and historically have aimed at journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. Receiving a warning means Apple saw signs you were individually targeted. It does not automatically mean spyware successfully broke in.

Apple does not name a specific attacker or country in the notice. The company says sharing too much about detection methods would help spyware makers adapt.

Scammers may copy the wording. Apple says genuine threat notifications never ask you to click a link, open a file, install an app or profile, or give out an Apple Account password or verification code by email or phone. To check a warning, open a browser yourself, go to Apple's official account site, and sign in. If Apple sent a real alert, it should appear at the top of the account page.

Apple recommends installing the latest iOS update and turning on Lockdown Mode, which limits some apps, websites, and connections to shrink the attack surface. A company spokesperson said in March 2026 that Apple was not aware of any successful mercenary spyware attack against a device while Lockdown Mode was enabled.

Most iPhone owners will never see one of these alerts. For those who do, treat it as a security incident until the device is updated and reviewed.