Apple warns iPhone users of spyware attacks

Apple has issued warnings to iPhone users since October 29, 2026, about a new wave of spyware targeting devices in 99 countries, including France. These alerts are part of a campaign to inform users that their devices, or those linked to their iCloud accounts, may have been targeted by mercenary spyware.

Spyware targets specific individuals

The attacks are described as costly and have targeted individuals based on their status or role, such as journalists, lawyers, activists, politicians, and senior civil servants. According to the CERT-FR, a French governmental cybersecurity agency, these attacks focus on high-profile individuals rather than the general public.

Apple does not disclose attack scale

Apple has not provided details on the number of victims or the groups responsible for the attack. However, it has confirmed that users in 99 countries, including France, are affected. The CERT-FR has acknowledged receiving notifications from Apple about the targeted users.

Users advised to take precautions

If users receive an alert from Apple, they are instructed not to make changes to the targeted device but instead to activate the iPhone Isolation mode. This feature helps strengthen the device's defenses, after which users should contact the CERT-FR for further assistance.

German officials affected

The German Minister for the Digital Economy, Karsten Wildberger, confirmed that political officials in Germany have received Apple's notifications. While German politicians appear to be among the most affected, the full scope of the attack remains unclear. The situation has drawn comparisons to previous spyware campaigns like Pegasus, known for targeting high-profile individuals.