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Unpatchable iPhone Vulnerability Affects Millions

WireByte Staff · June 18, 2026

Researchers at Paradigm Shift have revealed a new unpatchable iPhone BootROM vulnerability, usbliter8, affecting Apple devices with A12 and A13 chips. The exploit enables arbitrary code execution, cannot be patched, and affects millions of iPhone and iPad users worldwide. Apple cooperated with the researchers, but the full extent of the vulnerability's impact remains unclear.

Key points

  • Researchers at Paradigm Shift discovered usbliter8, a new unpatchable iPhone BootROM vulnerability, affecting Apple devices with A12 and A13 chips.
  • The exploit enables arbitrary code execution and cannot be patched, affecting millions of iPhone and iPad users worldwide.
  • Apple cooperated with the researchers, sharing findings and coordinating the release of the vulnerability's details.
  • The vulnerability affects iPhone models such as iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and iPad Air 3, as well as Apple Watch Series 4 and 5, and HomePod mini.
  • The full extent of the vulnerability's impact remains unclear, and users are advised to exercise caution until further information is available.

A new unpatchable iPhone vulnerability, usbliter8, has been revealed by researchers at Paradigm Shift. The exploit affects Apple devices with A12 and A13 chips, including iPhone and iPad models, as well as Apple Watch Series 4 and 5, and HomePod mini.

The vulnerability, which enables arbitrary code execution, cannot be patched and affects millions of users worldwide. Apple cooperated with the researchers, sharing findings and coordinating the release of the vulnerability's details.

The researchers at Paradigm Shift worked with Apple Product Security to disclose the vulnerability, and Apple's security team responded promptly and constructively. However, the full extent of the vulnerability's impact remains unclear, and users are advised to exercise caution until further information is available.

The affected devices include iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPad Air 3, Apple Watch Series 4 and 5, and HomePod mini. The researchers also mentioned that technical support for A12X/Z is possible, but it is not currently implemented.

As the situation unfolds, users are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their devices. Apple has not yet released a statement on the vulnerability, but users can expect updates in the coming days.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.