Is Your Device at Risk? The Complete 2025 Security Update Tracker for Windows and Apple

Have You Installed the Latest Patches? A Critical Guide to December 2025 Mobile and PC Security

Protecting your digital footprint requires vigilance. Software vulnerabilities remain the primary entry point for cyber threats. Developers release patches to close these gaps. This live tracker monitors critical security advisories for Windows, Apple, and Linux ecosystems. We curate this data to help you secure your personal computers and mobile devices against emerging threats.

Why These Updates Matter (E-E-A-T Context)

Security patches are not optional features; they are essential repairs. When Microsoft or Apple identifies a “bug,” it often means a hacker could exploit that code to steal data or control your device. By applying these updates immediately, you reduce your attack surface. We strictly monitor “Patch Tuesday,” Microsoft’s scheduled release on the second Tuesday of every month, alongside Apple’s rapid-response deployments.

Latest Critical Security Releases: December 2025

Apple Ecosystem Updates (December 12, 2025)

Apple deployed comprehensive security measures across its entire product line. These updates address core vulnerabilities in the operating system kernel and WebKit.

iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2

Available for: iPhone 11 and newer; iPad Pro (various gens), iPad Air (3rd gen+), and iPad mini (5th gen+).

• Action: Verify your update immediately. These patches resolve critical memory handling errors.
• Path: Settings > General > Software Update.

Legacy Support (iOS 18.7.3 / iPadOS 18.7.3)

Apple continues to support older hardware, including iPhone XS and older iPad Pro models. If you utilize these devices, ensure you install version 18.7.3 to maintain basic security integrity.

Additional Apple Platforms:

• macOS: Tahoe 26.2, Sequoia 15.7.3, Sonoma 14.8.3.
• Wearables & Home: watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, visionOS 26.2.
• Browser: Safari 26.2 (Critical for safe browsing).

Windows Ecosystem Updates (December 09, 2025)

Microsoft released its final scheduled “Patch Tuesday” for 2025. These cumulative updates resolve multiple remote code execution vulnerabilities.

• Windows 11 (24H2 & 25H2): Update KB5072033 is mandatory for the latest builds.
• Windows 11 (23H2): Install KB5071417.
• Windows 10 (22H2 – ESU Only): Install KB5071546.
• Server 2012 R2 (ESU): Install KB5071503.

Advisor Note: Windows 10 support is strictly limited to the Extended Security Update (ESU) program. If you have not enrolled in ESU, your device is no longer receiving public security patches. We strongly advise upgrading to Windows 11 hardware to ensure data safety.

Archive: Q4 2025 Security Activity Log

November 2025

Windows (Nov 11): Addressed localized escalation of privilege issues.

• Windows 11 (24H2/25H2): KB5068861
• Windows 11 (23H2): KB5068865
• Legacy Support Warning: Microsoft officially ended public support for Windows 11 22H2 this month.

Apple (Nov 06): Released iOS 26.1.

• Feature Note: Introduced a toggle in “Display and Brightness” to manage “Liquid Glass” transparency, improving accessibility alongside security fixes.
• Legacy: iOS 18.7.2 deployed for older hardware.

October 2025

Windows (Oct 14): A heavy patch cycle focusing on kernel-level stability.

• Windows 11 (24H2/25H2): KB5066835
• Windows 11 (22H2/23H2): KB5066793
• Windows 10: KB5066791

September 2025

Apple Major Release (Sept 15 & 29):

September marked the launch of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. Major version upgrades usually contain the most significant architectural security improvements of the year.

• Update 26.0.1 (Sept 29): Quick-fix patch for immediate bugs found at launch.
• Legacy: Versions 16.7.12 and 15.8.5 were provided for very old devices, showing Apple’s commitment to long-term hardware safety.

Windows (Sept 09):

• Windows 11 (24H2): KB5065426
• Windows 11 (22H2/23H2): KB5065431

Archive: Q3 2025 Security Activity Log

August 2025

Apple (Aug 14 & 20):

• iOS 18.6.2: A mid-cycle polish fixing background process vulnerabilities.
• Health Tech: watchOS 11.6.1 introduced improved Blood Oxygen monitoring stability for Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2.

Windows (Aug 12):

• Windows 11 (24H2): KB5063878
• Windows 10: KB5063709

July 2025

Apple (July 29):

iOS 18.6 released. This update cycle synchronized security protocols across tvOS 18.6, watchOS 11.6, and the Vision Pro’s visionOS 2.6.

Windows (July 08):

• Windows 11 (24H2): KB5062553
• Windows 11 (22H2/23H2): KB5062552

Archive: Q1 & Q2 2025 Security Highlights

June 2025: Windows focused on networking stack security (KB5060842 for Win 11).

May 2025:

• Apple: iOS 18.5 introduced new Screen Time parental controls and satellite carrier support.
• Windows: Standard maintenance updates (KB5058411).

April 2025:

• Apple: iOS 18.4.1 focused purely on bug squashing.
• Windows: KB5055523 addressed boot loader vulnerabilities.

March 2025:

• Apple: iOS 18.4 was a significant feature update.
• Windows: KB5053598 reinforced Windows Defender definitions.

February 2025:

• Apple: iOS 18.3.1 provided rapid security responses.
• Windows: KB5051987 fixed .NET framework issues.

January 2025:

• Apple: iOS 18.3 introduced “Visual Intelligence” features alongside security layers.
• Windows: The year began with KB5050009, setting the security baseline for 2025.

How to Stay Protected

We recommend enabling Automatic Updates on all devices. While manual checks are useful, automation ensures you never miss a critical zero-day patch. Bookmark this page; we refresh our logs immediately following every major software advisory.