Apple’s Enhanced Bug Bounty Program: A Game Changer
In an industry where cybersecurity is paramount, an increasing number of tech giants, including Microsoft, Google, and Meta, have implemented bug bounty programs. These initiatives encourage ethical hackers to identify and report vulnerabilities in software, offering them financial incentives for their discoveries. Recently, Apple has made significant adjustments to its program, elevating the stakes and expanding its scope.
Bounties Doubling: New Reward Structure
As articulated in an official update, Apple has announced that it is doubling the maximum reward for its bug bounty program from $1 million to a remarkable $2 million. This top-tier award is specifically reserved for high-level attacks that require no user interaction. Moreover, the potential payout can rise to an astounding $5 million when combined with additional bonuses, such as bypassing the company’s Lockdown Mode. In a notable case, a reward of $1 million has been designated for the “broad unauthorized access”of iCloud, marking a groundbreaking development in the program’s offerings.
Expanded Categories and Payout Acceleration
In tandem with the increased monetary rewards, Apple is also introducing new categories of vulnerabilities, coupled with “target flags”designed to expedite the assessment process. These flags will allow for quicker payouts based on specific criteria met by the reported vulnerabilities.
Revised Reward Levels: Effective November 2025
The table below outlines the adjustments to the maximum rewards for various types of attacks, which will come into effect in November 2025:
| Type of Attack | Current Maximum | New Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Click Chain: Remote attack requiring no user interaction | $1M | $2M |
| One-Click Chain: Remote attack requiring one user interaction | $250K | $1M |
| Wireless Proximity Attack: Requires physical closeness to a device | $250K | $1M |
| Physical Device Access: Involves accessing a locked device physically | $250K | $500K |
| App Sandbox Escape: From app sandbox to SPTM bypass | $150K | $500K |
Additional Changes and Historical Context
Beyond the new award structures, Apple will provide a $100, 000 incentive for bypassing macOS Gatekeeper and a $1, 000 bounty for lower-impact reports. Since the inception of the Apple Security Bounty program in 2020, the company has awarded over $35 million to more than 800 security researchers. With these revised payouts and expanded categories, Apple aims to attract more ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in its products, ultimately enhancing the security and reliability of its offerings.
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