Apple spyware alerts in Germany have prompted cybersecurity officials to warn lawmakers and government representatives about possible iPhone compromises. Members of the Bundestag and other public figures received notifications after Apple detected suspected targeted spyware activity beginning Oct. 29.
Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) issued security guidance advising recipients to treat their devices as potentially compromised. The agency emphasized that Apple’s warnings do not establish whether an attack successfully installed spyware.
Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said Berlin was taking the incident seriously, according to the Financial Times. Officials have not identified the affected politicians or confirmed whether Chancellor Friedrich Merz received a notification.
Apple Spyware Alerts in Germany Raise Security Concerns
Apple periodically warns individuals it believes have been targeted by sophisticated surveillance software. These attacks often involve journalists, politicians, activists, and others whose communications may be valuable to intelligence agencies.
Some spyware exploits security vulnerabilities without requiring users to click malicious links or download files. Such zero-click attacks can potentially expose messages, contacts, location information and other sensitive data.
Apple explains in its official security documentation that threat notifications are based on internal investigations. However, the company does not identify suspected attackers or disclose technical details that could help them avoid detection.
Recipients are encouraged to enable Lockdown Mode, update their devices and seek expert assistance. Apple has issued similar warnings worldwide since 2021, including a previous round affecting 110 countries in August 2026.
Spyware Warnings Extend Beyond Germany
Lebanese filmmaker and journalist Radwan Mortada also reported receiving a new Apple warning after previously being targeted in 2021. The latest notification said users in 99 countries had received similar alerts.
The attackers’ identity remains unknown. Apple has not identified the surveillance software involved or linked the latest incidents to a particular government.
Commercial surveillance tools such as Pegasus, developed by Israel’s NSO Group, have previously been associated with government intelligence operations. Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office also reportedly purchased Pegasus spyware in 2019.
That history does not establish any connection to the latest warnings. German authorities have not disclosed how many devices were targeted or whether investigators have confirmed successful compromises.
