Crypto exchange Binance has issued a warning to Apple smartphone owners, urging them to update their operating system as soon as possible. According to the company, a vulnerability has been discovered in iOS that allows malicious apps to read files from other programs installed on the same device. The most sensitive data for crypto users is at risk: seed phrases — the set of words used to restore wallet access — private keys, and application credentials. The exchange emphasizes that compromising data on a single smartphone could jeopardize funds stored across multiple crypto wallets simultaneously.
Which iOS Versions Are Affected
According to Binance's warning, the issue affects specific builds of the operating system: iOS 26.7.1, 27.0.1, and 27.2. At the time of publication, iOS version 27.2.1 is available, with Apple's update description noting security fixes. The company recommends upgrading to this version to close the described flaw. Binance explicitly urges users not to delay installing updates, as postponing the update leaves the device open to attacks for the entire period until the vulnerability is fixed.
What Binance Recommends Doing
The company provided a clear list of actions. Users are advised to immediately remove applications installed from untrusted sources, and then update the operating system and all software to the latest versions. If there is reason to believe the device has already been compromised, the exchange recommends transferring cryptocurrency to a new wallet created on a strictly clean device, and terminating all active login sessions. In conclusion, Binance emphasized: "Never install unauthorized packages and keep your software updated."
Context: A Series of Attacks on Crypto Infrastructure
The warning comes against the backdrop of a series of incidents targeting cryptocurrency infrastructure. In late July, a vulnerability in the firmware of certain Coldcard hardware wallets allowed attackers to brute-force access keys: over the course of a few days, more than $115 million in Bitcoin was stolen from thousands of individual addresses. In August, AI-based systems detected hundreds of serious vulnerabilities in the Bitcoin ecosystem within a single day. In September, attackers hacked Trezor's email system and began sending wallet owners emails with links to malware. In October, spy chips capable of copying information from device screens and transmitting it via cellular networks were found in Ledger crypto wallets.
Why the Focus Shifted to Smartphones
Previously, such warnings typically concerned specific models of hardware wallets. Binance's current appeal differs in scale: the smartphones themselves, where users store and use data to access cryptocurrency, are coming under fire. This means the risk shifts from a narrow circle of specialized device owners to the mass audience of mobile crypto wallets. For iPhone owners, the practical conclusion is unequivocal: the relevance of the iOS version, the source of application installation, and the readiness to quickly transfer funds to a clean device are becoming key factors in protecting crypto assets.
