appleinsider.com
Jun 19, 2026
A12 & A13 Apple devices face an unpatchable SecureROM vulnerability
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Security researchers have disclosed an unpatchable SecureROM exploit, called usbliter8, for Apple's A12 and A13 chips. The vulnerability affects devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, allowing researchers to gain control before iOS starts loading. The exploit targets a flaw in Apple's USB boot process and cannot be fixed through software updates. Devices affected include the iPhone XS, iPhone 11 lineup, and several iPad and Apple Watch models. The vulnerability exists in the SecureROM, the first code that runs when an iPhone starts up.
💡 Why It Matters
- · This exploit highlights the persistence of security vulnerabilities in Apple's SecureROM, which cannot be updated after manufacturing.
- · The usbliter8 exploit demonstrates that even the earliest stages of Apple's boot process can be compromised, making it a significant concern for device security.
