Apple Inc. has released a fresh set of security updates for iPhones and iPads, addressing a flaw that could allow deleted message content to remain accessible on devices.
The company rolled out iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2, along with iOS 18.7.8 and iPadOS 18.7.8 for older devices. The update fixes an issue linked to Notification Services, where alerts marked for deletion could still be stored locally due to a logging problem.
According to Apple’s security note, the vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-28950, has been resolved through improved data redaction. The company said, “For our customers’ protection, Apple doesn’t disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available.”
Report flagged possible data recovery
The update follows a report by 404 Media, which claimed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was able to retrieve message content from a device even after the Signal app had been deleted.
As per the report, investigators accessed incoming messages stored in the iPhone’s push notification database rather than the app itself. The data reportedly remained on the device even after deletion, raising concerns about how notification previews are handled at the system level.
The case referenced in the report involved trial testimony where law enforcement officials described extracting such data using forensic tools.
What the update changes
Apple said the flaw could cause notifications intended for deletion to be unexpectedly retained. With the latest patch, this issue has been fixed, and such data is no longer expected to persist on devices.
The company has not confirmed whether the vulnerability was actively exploited or how long the data could be retained.
Device eligibility
The iOS 26.4.2 update is available for iPhone 11 and later models. The iPadOS 26.4.2 update supports 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 and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later).
Older iPhone and iPad models have received fixes through iOS 18.7.8 and iPadOS 18.7.8.
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