On May 1, 2025, the New York Post reported a critical security flaw in Apple’s AirPlay protocol, dubbed “AirBorne,” that could allow hackers to hijack millions of iPhones and other AirPlay-enabled devices over Wi-Fi. This vulnerability, uncovered by cybersecurity firm Oligo, poses significant risks to users, potentially enabling attackers to deploy malware, steal personal data, or even eavesdrop on conversations. As our reliance on wireless technology grows, this revelation underscores the urgent need for heightened security awareness and robust protective measures. In this blog, we’ll dive into the details of the AirPlay flaw, its implications, and actionable steps to safeguard your devices.
Understanding the AirPlay Vulnerability
AirPlay, Apple’s wireless streaming protocol, allows users to seamlessly share audio, video, and photos between devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and third-party smart devices such as speakers and TVs. While this technology enhances user convenience, it also creates an entry point for exploitation. The AirBorne vulnerabilities, a set of 23 flaws identified by Oligo, enable attackers on the same Wi-Fi network to execute remote code without user interaction—a so-called zero-click exploit. This means hackers can take control of devices without the user clicking a link or downloading a file, making the attack particularly insidious.
The scope of this vulnerability is staggering. Oligo estimates that tens of millions of third-party AirPlay-enabled devices, including smart TVs and speakers, are at risk. Apple has patched its own devices with updates like iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4, released on March 31, 2025, but many third-party devices remain vulnerable due to inconsistent patching practices. This disparity highlights a systemic issue in the tech ecosystem: while Apple can quickly secure its products, third-party manufacturers often lag, leaving users exposed for years—or indefinitely.
The Risks: From Malware to Espionage
The implications of the AirBorne flaws are far-reaching. Once a hacker gains access to a device via AirPlay, they can deploy malware that spreads to other devices on the network, creating a ripple effect of infection. This “wormable” nature of the exploit means a single compromised device—like a smart speaker—could serve as a gateway to infiltrate an entire home or office network. Hackers could then steal sensitive data, such as banking information or personal emails, or install ransomware to lock users out of their devices until a payment is made.
More alarmingly, devices with microphones, such as smart speakers, could be turned into surveillance tools. A hacker could activate the microphone to eavesdrop on private conversations, posing a severe threat to personal privacy and even national security if targeted devices belong to high-profile individuals. The vulnerability also extends to CarPlay, Apple’s in-car system, available in over 800 vehicle models. While exploiting CarPlay requires Bluetooth or USB pairing—reducing the likelihood of widespread attacks—successful exploitation could allow hackers to manipulate media playback, track a vehicle’s location, or access in-car conversations.
Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in airports, cafes, or hotels, amplify the risk. These environments are prime hunting grounds for attackers, who can connect to the same network as their targets and exploit unpatched devices. With Apple reporting 2.35 billion active devices worldwide as of January 2025, the potential scale of this threat is enormous, affecting a vast user base across the globe.
Why This Matters: A Wake-Up Call for Digital Security
The AirBorne vulnerabilities expose a critical tension in the tech industry: the balance between convenience and security. AirPlay’s design prioritizes ease of use, keeping devices discoverable on a network for seamless streaming. However, this openness creates an “attack surface” that hackers can exploit. The fact that these flaws persisted in Apple’s software development kit (SDK)—used by countless third-party manufacturers—reveals a broader issue of shared responsibility in the tech supply chain. When a single piece of software like the AirPlay SDK contains vulnerabilities, the impact cascades across millions of devices, many of which may never receive updates.
This situation also challenges the narrative that Apple devices are inherently more secure than their competitors. While Apple’s swift response to patch its own devices is commendable, the vulnerability’s existence in the first place—and its persistence in third-party products—suggests that even tech giants are not immune to oversight. Users often trust brands like Apple to prioritize security, but this incident shows that trust must be paired with proactive vigilance.
How to Protect Yourself
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate the risks posed by the AirBorne vulnerabilities. First and foremost, ensure all your Apple devices are updated to the latest software versions. For iPhones and iPads, this means installing iOS 18.4 or later; for Macs, macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later. Check for updates by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad, or System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac. Apple’s patches address the flaws on its devices, significantly reducing the risk.
For third-party AirPlay-enabled devices, the situation is trickier. Check with the manufacturer for firmware updates, and apply them as soon as they’re available. If updates are unavailable—or if the device is no longer supported—consider disabling AirPlay when not in use. On a Mac, you can disable the AirPlay Receiver by going to System Settings > AirDrop & Handoff and toggling off AirPlay Receiver. Additionally, restrict AirPlay access to the current user only by selecting Current User under Allow AirPlay For in the same menu. These steps reduce the protocol’s attack surface, making it harder for hackers to exploit.
When using public Wi-Fi, avoid streaming content via AirPlay altogether. Public networks are inherently less secure, and even updated devices can be at risk if paired with unpatched third-party gadgets. Finally, secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong, unique password and modern encryption standards like WPA3 to prevent unauthorized access.
The Future of Wireless Security
The AirBorne vulnerabilities serve as a stark reminder that as our devices become more interconnected, the potential for exploitation grows. Apple’s AirPlay flaw is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader trend of security challenges in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, where smart devices often prioritize functionality over robust security. As consumers, we must demand greater accountability from manufacturers—both tech giants like Apple and third-party vendors—to ensure timely updates and secure design practices.
For now, staying informed and proactive is your best defense. By keeping your devices updated, limiting AirPlay usage in vulnerable settings, and securing your network, you can significantly reduce your risk. The AirBorne flaw may have exposed millions to potential hacking, but with the right precautions, you can protect yourself and your digital life from this latest threat.
