We all love the convenience of streaming music, videos, or even photos from our iPhones to a nearby smart TV or speaker.

That magic happens thanks to AirPlay, Apple’s wireless sharing feature.

But behind that convenience, security experts have discovered a serious risk—one that could let hackers sneak into your devices, all without you realizing it.

A Team of Researchers Uncovered 23 Security Holes

Cybersecurity researchers at Oligo Security just dropped a major warning.

They found 23 separate vulnerabilities in the AirPlay feature.

These flaws, when combined, could let hackers take control of your iPhone, iPad, Mac—or any Apple device on the same Wi-Fi network.

They’re calling the issue “AirBorne”—a clever name that reflects how these attacks can silently travel through wireless networks, jumping from one device to another.

What Can Hackers Actually Do?

A lot, unfortunately. Oligo’s team says hackers can use these flaws to:

Run harmful code on your device
Crash it remotely
Eavesdrop on conversations
Steal your private info without you noticing

That’s right—just being on the same Wi-Fi network as an attacker could put your device in danger, especially if AirPlay is turned on.

Apple Responded Quickly—But There’s a Catch

After being notified, Apple released updates on March 31 to patch these vulnerabilities on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Vision Pro devices.

They also confirmed that only people on the same Wi-Fi network could exploit these flaws, which lowers the risk a bit—but not enough to ignore it.

The bigger concern?

Third-party devices.

That includes things like smart speakers and TVs that work with AirPlay but aren’t made by Apple.

These may still be vulnerable if their manufacturers haven’t released their own updates.

Millions of Devices Could Stay Vulnerable for Years

Gal Elbaz, Oligo’s co-founder and chief tech officer, says the problem is widespread.

He estimates there are tens of millions of AirPlay-compatible devices out there—and many of them may never get patched.

“Because AirPlay is used in so many different devices, a lot of them could stay exposed for years,” he explained.

That means your updated iPhone could still be at risk if it’s connected to a vulnerable speaker or TV on your Wi-Fi.

How to Protect Yourself Right Now

The good news? You don’t have to panic—but you do need to act.

Here’s what you can do to stay safe:

Update all your Apple devices to the latest software. That’s your first line of defense.
Turn off AirPlay if you’re not using it.
- Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity
- Tap Automatically AirPlay
- Select Never

Disabling AirPlay prevents your device from constantly scanning for nearby connections, which closes off a key point hackers could exploit.

Don’t Forget About Your Third-Party Devices

If you use AirPlay with things like non-Apple smart speakers or TVs, check their manufacturer’s website to see if a software update is available.

These devices might not have your personal data, but they can be used as a gateway for hackers to reach your other devices.

Bottom Line: It’s Not Just About Apple

This isn’t just about a bug in your iPhone—it’s about an entire ecosystem of smart devices, many of which might be quietly opening the door to hackers.

Apple did its part with quick updates, but it’s up to you to make sure your full setup—especially third-party gadgets—is just as protected.

So take a minute to check those settings, hit “update,” and tighten up your network.

You’ll sleep better knowing your digital life is a little more secure.