Apple users are being urged to stay vigilant following the discovery of a privacy bug that could expose sensitive data. The issue, tied to Apple’s iPhone Mirroring feature and a glitch in web browsers, has sparked concerns among users and cybersecurity experts alike. Here’s what you need to know to protect your personal information.
The Mirroring Feature Privacy Bug
Security experts from Sevco Security recently uncovered a critical flaw in Apple’s iPhone Mirroring feature, which enables seamless integration between iPhones and Macs running macOS 15 Sequoia. This bug inadvertently shares personal app data from users’ iPhones with their employers’ IT systems when used on work-issued devices.
“This Apple bug is a major privacy risk,” Sevco warned, highlighting how sensitive apps, like those for health or dating, could be exposed. The consequences could range from professional embarrassment to legal repercussions in restrictive jurisdictions.
Read More: New iPhone Feature is Worrying People After Concerned it Will ‘Increase Street Robberies’
Users at Risk
The bug primarily impacts employees who connect personal iPhones to corporate networks. “If you don’t trust your employer, avoid using your personal device at work,” advises Sean Wright, a cybersecurity expert. For now, Sevco recommends that companies halt the use of iPhone Mirroring until Apple releases a fix, expected in an upcoming update.
A Web Browser Glitch Resurfaces
In addition to the mirroring bug, users are facing another privacy issue: an old glitch that resurrects past web searches, even when browsers like Firefox or Safari are set to private mode. Despite clearing history and cache, some iPhones display previously visited websites in landscape preview mode, including potentially embarrassing content.
One user shared their frustration: “I’ve had this happen over several phones for years. Nothing seems to work until I uninstall and reinstall the browser”. Unfortunately, this workaround doesn’t apply to Apple’s built-in Safari browser, leaving users with limited options to clear cached images.
iOS 18 Under Scrutiny
These issues have emerged alongside Apple’s rollout of iOS 18, which has also been criticized for causing rapid battery drain. Some users speculate that the iPhone glitches may stem from this latest update, though Apple has yet to confirm or address these claims.
In response to the mirroring bug, Apple acknowledged the issue and promised a fix in a forthcoming update. However, no official statement has been made regarding the resurfaced browser glitch.
Read More: Apple Adds Popular iPhone to Its ‘Obsolete’ List
How to Protect Your Data
To safeguard your privacy, consider these steps:
- Disable Mirroring on Work Devices: Avoid using iPhone Mirroring on corporate Macs until a patch is released.
- Clear Cache Regularly: For browsers like Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data to remove cached content.
- Use Secure Browsers: If using Chrome or Firefox, uninstall and reinstall to ensure no residual data remains.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on software updates and apply patches as soon as Apple releases them.
Conclusion
While Apple works to resolve these privacy concerns, users should take proactive measures to protect their data. Whether it’s a lingering browser glitch or a critical flaw in Mirroring, staying informed is your best defense.
As Sevco noted, “Awareness is the key to mitigating the risks until fixes are in place”.