If your iPhone has started acting strangely, it is worth pausing before you chalk it up to a glitch. People who have not installed the newest software updates may be more exposed to hacking attempts and malicious spyware. Apple recently issued two new security patches tied to flaws in its WebKit browser technology, but the protection is only available to people who have updated to iOS 26. That gap matters because the article notes that only 4.6 percent of users installed iOS 26.2, and only 16 percent are on any version of iOS 26, leaving more than a billion users worldwide potentially at risk.
The simplest first step is also the most boring one, update your device and then restart it. The guidance is not just to install the latest software, but to turn the phone off and back on afterward. A full restart can help clear malicious code that may be sitting in the device’s memory. It is not a magic cure, but it is an easy way to break a piece of unwanted software that relies on staying active in the background. If you have been putting off updates because you are busy or do not like changes, this is the moment to make time.
One of the clearest red flags is a sudden flood of popups and ads that appear when you are not browsing sketchy sites. According to Trend Micro, an unusual amount of popups and advertising can point to malware that has been installed on the device. While spammy ads can also come from aggressive websites, the key is whether it feels new and persistent. If it started out of nowhere and follows you across apps or screens, it deserves attention. People often ignore this sign because it feels like an annoyance rather than a security issue.
Another warning sign is the appearance of apps you do not remember downloading. If you see unfamiliar icons, or your App Library includes something you cannot identify, treat it as a serious clue that someone may have gained unauthorized access. Sometimes a family member might have installed something by accident, but it is safer to assume the worst until you verify. Unknown apps can act as a doorway for data theft, tracking, or further compromise. Even if the app looks harmless, it may be there to run quietly in the background.
Battery behavior can also reveal a problem when it changes suddenly and dramatically. Many things affect battery life, including the age of the phone and the software version you are using, so a slow decline is normal. The concern is when the battery starts draining much faster than before, without a clear reason like heavier screen time. Malware running in the background can burn power while also making apps feel sluggish. If you notice heat, slow performance, and faster drain happening together, the pattern is harder to dismiss as coincidence.
Messages and calls can provide another clue, especially when paired with the other signs. Strange texts or phone calls from unknown sources do not automatically mean your iPhone is compromised, because random spam happens to many users. Still, if you are seeing unusual communications at the same time as new popups, mystery apps, or battery drain, it can suggest something deeper is going on. A compromised device may be used to trigger verification codes, intercept account activity, or manipulate contacts. Think of this sign as supporting evidence rather than a standalone verdict.
Data usage spikes are the final big warning sign highlighted in the list. If your cellular data consumption suddenly increases without any obvious change in how you use your phone, it may indicate that unknown apps or viruses are running in the background. This is especially suspicious if you are not streaming more video, downloading big files, or traveling and relying on cellular more than usual. Background activity that phones home to a server can quietly chew through data. Checking your iPhone’s cellular usage breakdown can help you spot which app is responsible.
If you genuinely suspect your iPhone has been hacked, the priority is protecting your accounts. The recommended first move is to change all passwords, especially for email and banking. Email is critical because it is often the reset key for everything else, and financial accounts are the most immediate target. After that, review your installed apps and remove anything you do not trust or do not recognize. It is also smart to make sure Apple’s device recovery tools are ready, including enabling “Find My iPhone,” which can let you remotely lock or erase the phone if you need to.
Staying safe going forward comes down to a few habits that are easy to repeat. Keep your iPhone updated so you have the latest iOS security patches, particularly when Apple addresses browser related vulnerabilities like WebKit. Consider using a reputable VPN to reduce risk when you are online, and be cautious on public Wi Fi networks that can be insecure. Also get comfortable with basic security hygiene like strong unique passwords and two factor authentication, because device security and account security are tied together. If you ever feel stuck, backing up your device and doing a full reset can be a last resort, but the steps above are the place to start.
For some broader context, iPhones rely on a layered security model that includes hardware based protections, app sandboxing, and encrypted storage, but no system is invincible if users delay updates. WebKit is the browser engine used by Safari and other iOS browsers, so flaws in it can have wide impact even if you do not think you browse much. Malware on phones often spreads through malicious links, unsafe profiles, or tricking users into installing something that looks legitimate, which is why unfamiliar apps and odd popups matter. Apple’s security approach also depends on rapid patching, meaning you benefit most when you install updates soon after they are released. If you have ever wondered whether your daily habits are enough, this is a good reminder that basic steps like updating, restarting, and reviewing permissions can reduce your risk significantly.
What warning signs have you noticed on your own iPhone, and which security habits have helped you feel most protected, share your thoughts in the comments.
