Key Points Summary — iPhone Users
- AirPlay flaws dubbed ‘AirBorne’ leave iPhone users vulnerable to remote hacking
- Oligo Security found 23 flaws, with 17 ways hackers can exploit them
- Zero-click attacks can hijack devices without user interaction
- Malware can spread across networks from a single infected iPhone
- Apple patched core devices, but many third-party AirPlay systems remain exposed
- Hackers can target cars, smart speakers, and Macs through AirPlay
- Disabling AirPlay or limiting access can reduce attack risks for iPhone users
iPhone Users At Risk As ‘AirBorne’ Flaws Expose Massive Security Breach
Hackers have found a way to hijack your iPhone. And you might never see it coming.
Cyber experts have issued an alarming warning to iPhone users after discovering 23 dangerous flaws in Apple’s AirPlay system. These flaws, dubbed ‘AirBorne,’ can let hackers take over your phone, your Mac, and even your car.
AirPlay lets you wirelessly stream music, photos, and video from your Apple device. However, the very feature that makes things convenient could now leave you wide open to cyberattacks.
Zero-Click Attacks Threaten Billions of Devices
Security researchers at Oligo Security uncovered 17 specific methods hackers can use to exploit these AirPlay flaws. Even worse, many of them are zero-click.
That means hackers don’t need your permission or action to break into your system. For instance, one vulnerability lets cybercriminals swap out your Apple Music app for malicious code — and you’d never know it.
The danger doesn’t end with just one device. In fact, a hacked iPhone can spread malware across entire Wi-Fi networks.
Apple’s Fix Doesn’t Cover Every Device
Apple quickly pushed security updates for iPhones, Macs, and Apple TVs in late March. The updates patched the core devices with iOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and tvOS 18.4.
Still, the threat remains.
Millions of third-party devices that use AirPlay — like smart speakers and car infotainment systems — may never get fixed. That’s because manufacturers often delay or skip updates entirely.
Some Devices Will Never Be Patched
“It’s all because of vulnerabilities in one piece of software,” said Oligo’s Elbaz. “These devices could remain exposed for years.”
Even if you’ve updated your Apple devices, your iPhone may still be vulnerable the moment it connects to an older AirPlay gadget.
And the worst part? Hackers only need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as you.
Attackers Can Hijack Cars and Smart Homes
The flaws don’t stop with phones and laptops. AirPlay also powers CarPlay and smart home devices.
Oligo found that iPhones could be turned into cyberweapons, used to infect other gadgets on the same network. Once one device is compromised, the attack spreads like a worm.
Because AirPlay broadcasts constantly in the background, every iPhone becomes a potential target.
How To Protect Your Devices
The solution starts with awareness.
Cybersecurity experts urge all iPhone users to install the latest software updates immediately. Beyond that, disabling AirPlay can dramatically reduce the attack surface.
To turn it off: go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity > Automatically AirPlay and select “Never.”
Hackers Exploiting Apple’s Convenience Feature
Apple confirmed that attackers must be on the same network to exploit AirPlay. However, experts argue that public Wi-Fi makes that barrier almost meaningless.
Once breached, attackers can read private data, execute remote code, or spy on users.
Even if you’re not streaming, your iPhone is listening for AirPlay signals. Therefore, it’s this constant connection that turns convenience into a weapon.
And with 1.8 billion iPhones and another 500 million AirPlay-compatible devices active worldwide, the scale of risk is enormous.
iPhone Users Warned: This Is Far From Over
Security teams say AirPlay’s flaws are among the most serious wireless threats ever discovered for Apple devices.
The bottom line? You don’t need to click a thing to get hacked.
Clearly, iPhone users need to act now or risk becoming part of a global breach that could leap from phone to car to speaker in seconds.