Apple just fixed an iOS flaw exploited by the FBI - here's what happened

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Many people use the popular Signal app to send and receive encrypted text messages. As an added bonus, you can set all texts to automatically disappear after a certain amount of time. But those protections don't help as much if there's an underlying flaw in your device's operating system. And that's exactly what happened, and why Apple had to fix it. On Wednesday, Apple released its latest minor update for iOS (and iPadOS). The release notes for iOS/iPadOS 26.4.2 show only one vulnerability patched by the new version. Impacting the notifications service on your iPhone or iPad, the note simply says: "Notifications marked for deletion could be unexpectedly retained on the device." Also: What is Signal? 7 features that make it a go-to app for private, secure messaging As is sometimes the case with Apple update notes, the explanation raises more questions than it answers. However, the reason for the update lies in the Signal app itself and in how the feds were able to skirt its security. In a federal trial that concluded last month, several individuals were charged with and found guilty of setting off fireworks and vandalizing property at an ICE detention facility. One of the defendants, Lynette Sharp, had used Signal on her iPhone and later deleted the app, 404 Media (subscription required) reported earlier this month, citing people present at the trial. During the trial, however, an FBI agent testified that the agency was ab...