Recent surveys show that iPhone users now outnumber Android users in the United States, with Apple holding roughly 58–59% of the market, compared to Android’s 40–43%. While Android still dominates globally, the U.S. remains a strong exception, where iOS has consistently maintained the lead. As of 2026, Apple’s share sits at approximately 59.31%.
With that in mind, and although there is no official data on how many people at the University of Maryland use iPhones, the numbers tell a story. With over 40,700 students and 14,000 faculty and staff, and considering Apple’s popularity among young adults, it’s safe to assume that thousands of individuals on campus rely on iPhones every day.
So, if you’re one of them, this matters. A major hacking tool has recently leaked online, putting millions of iPhones at risk. And at a place like UMD, your phone isn’t just a phone, it’s your academic lifeline. Think about everything tied to it:
- Duo authentication for logging into university systems
- UMD email and communication
- ELMS/Canvas access for coursework
- Banking apps and personal data
If your device is compromised, it’s not just photos or texts at risk. It could mean:
- Unauthorized access to your academic accounts
- Exposure of personal or financial information
- Potential entry points into broader university systems
In other words, your phone is less like a gadget and more like a master key.
We often think of iPhones as the digital equivalent of a locked dorm room, secure, reliable, and maybe even a little untouchable. But this week’s headlines tell a different story… A newly surfaced spyware exploit, nicknamed DarkSword, has expanded beyond elite cyberactors and is now accessible on a much wider scale. In simple terms, tools once reserved for high-level surveillance can now be used more broadly to access messages, personal data, and sensitive information on vulnerable devices. Reports suggest that bad actors can deploy this spyware with minimal effort, lowering the barrier to entry significantly.
There’s no need to panic; however, awareness matters! Data suggests that only about 20% of users have installed the latest iOS software update, even though Apple released iOS 26, which addresses the security vulnerability that DarkSword exploits, last year. That lag in updating your device's software is leaving your data exposed longer than necessary.
Certain models are at higher risk if not updated. According to Apple, these include:
- iPhone 11 and later
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch 3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro (11-inch 1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
With how common newer devices are, many users likely fall into this category. But the good news is the fix is simple.
To protect your device and your data:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Select Software Update
- Download and install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS
It only takes a few minutes, and it can make all the difference.
It’s easy to think that your phone and the university aren’t really connected. Until you remember:
- That last email you sent to your professor
- The assignment you checked on Canvas from your phone
- The sick day you submitted through Workday while still in bed
UMD has systems in place to protect its internal network, but those protections don’t extend beyond it. Your personal device is still your responsibility. So, as always, stay smart and stay safe.