Apple Introduces $2M Bug Bounty For Spyware-Level Exploits
Apple is raising the stakes in cybersecurity with a major update to its bug bounty program. The tech giant announced that it’s offering up to $2 million for exploit chains matching the sophistication of mercenary spyware attacks. The new initiative, titled “Apple Introduces $2M Bug Bounty for Spyware-Level Exploits,” marks the company’s biggest payout in security research history.
Apple’s $2M Reward Targets Sophisticated Threats
This enhanced bug bounty program doubles Apple’s previous top reward, encouraging security researchers to uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do. With bonuses for Lockdown Mode bypasses and beta software flaws, total payouts could exceed $5 million — the largest reward pool ever offered by a major tech company.
Apple says this update reflects the evolving nature of cyberattacks, where real-world intrusions typically chain multiple bugs together. The company now prioritizes complete exploit chains over isolated vulnerabilities, aiming to simulate how advanced spyware operates in the wild.
Introducing “Target Flags” For Verified Exploits
A standout feature of the revamped program is the addition of “Target Flags.” Inspired by capture-the-flag competitions, these digital markers let researchers prove the level of access they achieved — such as code execution or full system control.
Once verified, Apple immediately validates the captured flag and processes bounty payments without forcing researchers to wait for a patch release. This improvement addresses a long-standing complaint among security researchers who previously faced months-long delays before receiving compensation.
Expanded Reward Categories And Payouts
The Apple Introduces $2M Bug Bounty for Spyware-Level Exploits program also includes new high-stakes categories:
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One-click WebKit sandbox escapes: up to $300,000
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Wireless proximity exploits: up to $1 million
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Complete Gatekeeper bypass on macOS: $100,000
The overhaul goes live in November 2025, reinforcing Apple’s ongoing commitment to transparency and collaboration with the security community.
Apple’s Security Commitment
Since launching its public bug bounty program in 2020, Apple has paid over $35 million to more than 800 researchers worldwide. The new $2M top reward underscores Apple’s focus on defending users against the same kinds of sophisticated exploits used in state-sponsored and mercenary spyware operations.
Researchers interested in participating can find full details on Apple’s Security Research website, where the company outlines categories, submission guidelines, and payment timelines.
With Apple Introduces $2M Bug Bounty for Spyware-Level Exploits, the company is making a clear statement: the battle against advanced spyware demands equally advanced incentives.
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