Apple Issues Largest Mercenary Spyware Alert Batch to Users Across 110 Countries

On August 14, 2026, Apple sent mercenary spyware threat notifications to users in 110 countries. Digital rights group Access Now called it the largest batch yet, with a 30–40% surge in help requests over prior waves. Apple has now cumulatively alerted users in over 150 countries. Citizen Lab's John Scott-Railton said the reports suggest spyware attacks are more prevalent than realized.