Apple is increasing the financial rewards for discovering security vulnerabilities in iPhones.
The company is paying hackers millions, but only if they play by the rules.
Apple is increasing its bounty program rewards for five key attack vectors. | Image credit – Apple
Apple stated on October 10, 2025, that the only system-level iOS attacks observed are from mercenary spyware. These exploit chains are very advanced, historically linked to state actors, and cost millions to create, targeting a small number of individuals. While Lockdown Mode and Memory Integrity Enforcement raise the cost and difficulty of such attacks, sophisticated adversaries will adapt.
Apple says its bounty program's evolution aims to promote in-depth research on critical attack surfaces, helping protect over 2.35 billion active Apple devices globally.
The 2026 Security Research Device Program will include iPhone 17 devices, which have the latest security enhancements such as Memory Integrity Enforcement. Qualified researchers with security experience on any platform can apply until October 31, 2025.
Vulnerabilities found using these research devices will receive priority review and bonus rewards under the bounty program.
Apple is encouraging advanced iOS research
Apple has promoted the iPhone as a highly secure smartphone, and these updates reinforce this. By providing significant rewards, Apple is addressing bugs faster and motivating security experts and developers to enhance its ecosystem's security.
This collaboration benefits both Apple and the research community, rewarding expertise and improving user protection.
More rewards result in more research and enhanced user protection
By substantially raising payouts, Apple is highlighting the importance of cybersecurity. The Apple Security Bounty focuses on encouraging researchers to investigate critical vulnerabilities across its platforms, not just minor bugs.
This sends a clear message that Apple values external security researchers and is prepared to offer considerable compensation for their efforts.
"Iconic Phones" will be released this fall!
"Iconic Phones" is a beautifully illustrated book about the most iconic phones of the past 20 years, set to launch in a few months after over a year of development.
"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a coffee table book for phone enthusiasts. It explores the stories of over 20 well-known devices, taking readers on a journey through the mobile revolution. Sign up now for an early-bird discount.