Apple · FBI · Engadget
Apple releases iOS 26.4.2 to address a flaw that allowed the FBI to access push notifications
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Apple's latest iOS update fixes a flaw in its notification database that made it possible for law enforcement to view deleted push notifications on a person's iPhone or iPad.
Key facts
- The update is available now on "iPhone 11 and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 8th generation
- Update, April 22, 6:40PM ET: This story was updated after publish to include comment from Signal
- According to Apple's update notes, iOS 26.4.2 introduces "improved data redaction" to address an issue where "notifications marked for deletion could be unexpectedly retained on the device
- The FBI's use of this particular iOS notification flaw was first reported on by 404 Media, who learned the agency used a tool to access Signal notification data stored locally on an iPhone even
Summary
According to Apple's update notes, iOS 26.4.2 introduces "improved data redaction" to address an issue where "notifications marked for deletion could be unexpectedly retained on the device. The FBI's use of this particular iOS notification flaw was first reported on by 404 Media, who learned the agency used a tool to access Signal notification data stored locally on an iPhone even after it was deleted. The privacy of your notifications is vulnerable in at least two places, according to the EFF. Update, April 22, 6:40PM ET: This story was updated after publish to include comment from Signal.