Apple requests security upgrade to iPhones and iPads

Apple urges iPhone and iPad users to update their devices to correct security holes that could have been “actively exploited” by hackers

CUPERTINO, Calif. – Apple is urging iPhone and iPad users to update their devices to correct security holes that could have been “actively exploited” by hackers.

Apple made software updates available on Tuesday, adding a rare note suggesting it was a serious threat.

The company thanked anonymous researchers for pointing out the vulnerability, but provided few details on the nature of the threat.

The company said one of the vulnerabilities affects the “kernel,” the nerve center of Apple’s operating system, iOS. Two more affect WebKit, the web browser engine used by Safari and other applications.

The upgrade spans multiple generations of devices, starting with the iPhone 6.