Apple alerts users worldwide of possible government spyware intrusion

Apple dispatched a new wave of lock-screen push notifications on Thursday to iPhone, iPad and Mac users it suspects are being targeted by spyware typically employed by governments. The alerts, sent to devices in 110 countries, extend a program that has already reached customers in more than 150 nations. Each notification warns of a mercenary spyware attack and advises users to activate Lockdown Mode and follow detailed instructions, which are also available by email and when signing into an Apple account.

Citizen Lab senior researcher John Scott-Railton first flagged the batch on X, praising the enhanced user experience for prompting quicker help-seeking. Apple reports no incidents of devices being compromised while Lockdown Mode was active. The move comes amid growing concerns over the spread of surveillance tools used against activists and political opponents, exemplified by recent scandals such as the alleged Polish election spyware abuse.