Tech Desk 
May 04, 2025
Making countless users' private data unsafe while making their devices vulnerable to hackers, a huge security flaw has been found in Apple’s AirPlay feature.
What makes this bug, called “AirBorne,” more devastating is that its possibility of victimising Apple users is most likely in public spaces like airports and cafés.
Besides putting at at stake iPhones, iPads, and Macs, the security flaw also takes a toll on third-party devices such as smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and set-top boxes that support AirPlay, as reported by The Express Tribune.
23 vulnerabilities have been found within AirPlay’s software by Oligo Security, a cybersecurity firm, two of which pose a serious risk.
It was also learned that hackers could exploit these flaws to install malware, steal sensitive information, and secretly listen to private conversations if devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Apple addressed the issue in its March 2025 iOS 18.4.1 update, but many third-party devices still lack necessary patches. Experts warned that this delay in updates from non-Apple manufacturers might diminish trust in Apple’s broader ecosystem, as users have continuously been exposed to such loopholes through unpatched hardware.
Cybersecurity expert Patrick Wardle highlighted that idle or inactive devices are likely to serve as access points for hackers.
For safety, users are advised to update all Apple and third-party devices, disable AirPlay when not in use, and avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
