It has been the perception for years from both Apple and non-Apple users. Ever wondered if iPhones can get viruses? The simple answer is no, because they do get viruses, at least not like typical viruses you might get on a computer, but Apple’s Operating System and Ecosystem are so secure that you’ll need to go out of your way to get infected.
If you just wanted to know the answer, then there you go; but if you want to further learn how secure your iPhone is, things not to do to avoid getting viruses, and how to know and what to do if you already got one, all in simple explanation like you’re 5 years old, then read ahead.
Reasons Why iPhones Are Hard To Infect
It all comes down to Apple's tight control over everything. Some people might call it closed-off, but it's this very control that keeps iPhones safe.
Ecosystem
Apple is known for its tight security and closed ecosystem, to the point that some people even consider it one of its cons. They think that Apple is selfish because users don't really get the freedom its main competitor allows. It is a double-edged sword though because this set up is the reason why it rarely gets viruses in the first place.
To further solidify the point of how secure this closed ecosystem is, you’d think that any virus will have a field day infecting all your other devices with how easy it is to connect all Apple devices (which is one of its selling points), but this has never been the case and never really became a general issue. The main reason for this is that you can also only download apps on the App Store, which goes to severe scrutiny that adheres to Apple’s standards.
Depending on one’s needs, this limitation can indeed be considered a con or a pro, but one can’t deny the security it brings.
Sandboxing
Speaking of the App Store, since more than a decade ago, Apple has mandated that developers who want to get their apps into the App Store use Sandbox. Previously, developers had the discretion to use Sandbox as an extra protection against malware for their apps.
In a more simplistic term, think of Sandbox as the last line of defense not just for the app but for the users. Imagine you have a house (your iPhone), and it has many rooms. You downloaded an app (bedroom). That app, with Sandbox, can only access the bedroom, and not the whole house. If it wants to access your camera (kitchen) or calendar (living room), it needs the approval of Apple and then you.
In the worst case scenario where a hacker was able to access that app (bedroom), it won’t be able to spread because it only has access to the bedroom. That makes it easier to eradicate.
Permission
If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll notice that every small step an app tries to take, you will get notified and will need your approval. This has not been the case before. In fact, when it was first proposed by Apple, it became a major issue in that other companies like Meta raised the issue that it will affect personalized ads for users.
But it was a welcome change for the community. There has been an increase in market perception about wanting privacy changes to the whole digital world.
iOS Updates
This is the major reason why the whole ecosystem is secured. The selling point that Apple is known for its security is not an exaggeration, and long-time Apple users can attest to that. Apple conducts 1 major iOS update every year and multiple small ones in between.
If you want to be protected from viruses and attacks, make sure to always have the latest iOS version on your iPhone. Another neat part about these updates is that Apple is open to the changes they conducted. Lastly, if you have a busy lifestyle, you can set up your iPhone to automatically download updates every time one is available.
Okay, iPhones are secure, but are they invincible?
Regardless of how secure the iPhone is, it is not 100% invincible. As answered in the main question, iPhones do tend to get viruses and malwares, especially if the user is not really careful.
You may also accidentally download an app that contains malware, even if it’s unintentional. In such events, the system will warn you that the app contains third party malware via malware alert and will not let you open it. It will then recommend you to delete it immediately.
If you still want to open the app, you can enable it in the settings. Beware, though, that doing it may compromise your device and lead to bigger problems
To stay safe, avoid these actions:
Jailbreaking
Contrary to popular belief, jailbreaking an iPhone is not that hard. There are a lot of videos on YouTube on how to jailbreak one, but you’re risking a lot of things by doing it. Why choose an iPhone anyway if the limitations bother you, even ending up resorting to jailbreaking?
Phishing Attacks and Links
No matter how protected your iPhone is, if you’re the one who will go to suspicious websites and click malicious links, then that’s pretty much a “you” problem. To avoid this, only go to websites that are secured by HTTPS URLs. Avoid links, as much as possible, that require your login credentials. If you are not 100% sure if a page is legitimate, then just don’t do it.
If you want to further know other ways to avoid such scams, read more about this on the official website that caters to this.
Zero-day attacks
On the other hand, these are attacks that you don’t have control over. When hackers manage to get through and exploit a particular app, there is a time in between that the developers would be aware of the situation and the time they will be able to patch it. The said time is the “0-day”, where you are most vulnerable. While less uncommon, it still poses a threat to the users. Make sure to be regularly updated with developer announcements about the apps you’ve downloaded.
Uh oh, I think my iPhone is infected! What should I do?
There are multiple signs that your iPhone has been compromised.
- Battery Drain - If you noticed that your battery is draining way faster compared to your common usage, then there is a chance that a malicious app is running in the background even if you’re not using it.
- Unexplained Charges - This one’s a little bit of a hassle because you have to coordinate with your bank about the transaction. Not only is it quite obvious that you’ve been compromised, it is also more alarming because money is already involved.
- Pop-Ups - Random pop-ups are not normal, especially if you are not in a web browser. While there are apps with pop-ups, malicious ones are easily distinguishable because most of the time, they are random ads or products that are not even related to the app or the page you’re currently browsing.
What then, can you do once your iPhone has been infected?
You can first download a reputable malware scanner in the App Store. Brands like Avast and McAfee Security have been known in their respective industries and are reliable.
Your last resort, especially if you’re definitely sure that your iPhone has contracted malware, is to consult Apple experts. You can go to the nearest Mobile Care - Power Mac Center’s Apple Service Provider, and have it checked there.
Nothing is perfect, that’s for sure. And while iPhone do contract viruses, it never became a major issue because of how rare it occurs. It speaks volumes on how secure and powerful the whole Apple ecosystem is. If you’ve been sold on getting your first iPhone, you can browse and compare different versions at Power Mac Center. You’ll never go wrong in getting the most powerful iPhone to date: the iPhone 15, with all its security features.
