iPhone 18 Pro allegedly leaked on the dark web before its premiere. Hackers robbed an Apple supplier

Apple guards its unreleased models more than anything, and now it seems one of them has leaked indirectly through its manufacturing facilities. A vast collection of data stolen from the Indian company Tata Electronics has appeared on the dark web, and it reportedly includes photos and technical documents of a phone that sources identify as iPhone 18 Pro.

Over 200,000 files leaked

According to Reuters, the ransomware group World Leaks has claimed responsibility for the extensive leak, publishing the data on its dark web server. It reportedly consists of over 630 GB of data and more than 200,000 files, which were allegedly stolen from Tata Electronics during a cyberattack. The package reportedly appeared on the dark web in mid-June.

Among the files are said to be photos of iPhones from drop tests, taken according to the data in early 2026 directly at one of Tata’s factories. However, Reuters states that it could not independently verify that it is indeed an iPhone 18 Pro, nor that the entire package is authentic. TechCrunch, which reviewed a sample, states that the materials appear to be Apple supplier specifications.

What does the alleged iPhone 18 Pro look like in the photos?

Sources describe the phone in the images as a grey, flat device with three rear cameras and an Apple logo – roughly what has long been expected for the iPhone 18 Pro series. We have, after all, written about the appearance and features of the next generation before, when the first leaks regarding the camera began to emerge.

iPhone 18 Pro allegedly leaked on the dark web before its premiere. Hackers robbed an Apple supplier Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

No surprising redesign emerged from the drop test photos. Therefore, the truly valuable part of the entire package is not the images, but something much less conspicuous.

Surprisingly, the photos are the least of the problems

According to Reuters, the most sensitive part of the leak is a set of at least six files that assign specific components of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models to specific suppliers – from chips on the motherboard to the battery and camera parts. This is precisely what Apple does not disclose in its public supplier database.

Furthermore, the maps reportedly reveal which parts Apple sources from only a single company and which from multiple suppliers simultaneously. This information could undermine its negotiating position on prices. The leak, moreover, does not only concern Apple: it is also said to contain 16 folders linked to chip giant TSMC and 23 folders associated with Qualcomm, in addition to design documents for older iPhones. Many documents are said to bear confidential watermarks and internal code designations.

What do Apple and Tata say?

According to Reuters, Tata has initiated crisis protocols, restricted access to sensitive systems, and hired a global forensic consultant; operations were reportedly running without interruption. Apple is investigating the incident and plans to work with Tata on long-term security measures.

Are you afraid to buy freshly introduced iPhones due to similar leaks, or does it leave you unfazed?

Sources: Reuters, The Verge, Mashable, TechCrunch