Aug 18, 2026 12:10:00

Reports indicate that the number of Apple users who received 'threat notifications' from Apple regarding spyware attacks has reached 'an unprecedented number.'

Apple has revealed that in August 2026, the number of users who received 'threat notifications' from Apple, sent to users suspected of being targeted by dangerous spyware, was 'unprecedented.'

'Unprecedented' number of Apple users received recent spyware alert, say investigators | TechCrunch

https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/17/unprecedented-number-of-apple-users-received-recent-spyware-alert-say-investigators/

Since 2021, Apple has been regularly sending push notifications called 'Threat Notifications' to users who suspect their devices have been targeted by spyware capable of hacking.

Push notifications from Apple warning of spyware attacks should be taken seriously - GIGAZINE

Previously, 'threat notifications' were sent out 'a few times a year,' but according to Mohamed Al Masqati of Access Now , an international non-profit organization that provides security support to users who receive notifications, August 2026 saw 'the largest number of people ever contacted them seeking assistance.' Among those who contacted them were people who had received notifications in the past, and the affected countries numbered 110.

Cybersecurity firm iVerify also told TechCrunch that they have seen a surge in 'threat notifications' from Apple.

Numerous reports have surfaced on social media from people who have received 'threat notifications' from Apple. One user who received a 'threat notification' is a Ukrainian soldier participating in the war against Russia, and he provided the information anonymously to TechCrunch to protect his safety. The Ukrainian soldier said that he initially thought the notification was a scam, but after checking with Apple, he found out it was real.

The Ukrainian soldier reportedly said, 'To be honest, I was a little surprised. I didn't think I was important enough to be targeted in this way.' It was later revealed that other Ukrainian soldiers had received similar notifications.

TechCrunch has requested comment from Ukraine's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-UA) regarding whether other Ukrainians, particularly Ukrainian soldiers, have received 'threat notifications' from Apple, but has not received a response as of the time of writing.

John Scott Railton, a senior fellow at The Citizen Lab, a research institute that has been investigating government spyware attacks for over 15 years, told TechCrunch that 'spyware attacks may be more widespread than people realize.'

Muscati and Railton explain that the large number of users who received “threat notifications” from Apple is partly due to Apple adopting a new way of sending notifications to users.

Furthermore, starting in 2026, Apple will begin notifying users on their iPhone's lock screen, in the Settings app, at the email address associated with their Apple account, and when they log into their Apple account on the web.