Macs have too much malware, according to Apple's own top exec

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)
(Image credit: Future)

If you're using a Mac, you might want to make sure you're running an antivirus, as even Apple isn't comfortable with the amount of malware on macOS Big Sur

This came up during the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, where Apple Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, is testifying. In a statement made by Federighi, he said "today, we have a level of malware on the Mac that we don’t find acceptable and is much worse than iOS." 

This topic came up in court after the Judge asked why macOS can have multiple App Stores and iOS can't. And Federighi's whole point is that the more open software approach macOS takes has left Macs more prone to malware - to the point that Apple isn't comfortable. 

There are now 130 types of malware on Mac right now, as testified by Craig Federighi previously and first reported by 9to5Mac. But the Apple executive made sure to clarify that he still believes that Macs are still safe.

Either way, the macOS malware problem isn't nearly as expansive as what Windows 10 faces, but it's still probably a good idea to make sure you're running a Mac antivirus.

Via The Verge

TOPICS
Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas (Twitter) is TechRadar's computing editor. They are fat, queer and extremely online. Computers are the devil, but they just happen to be a satanist. If you need to know anything about computing components, PC gaming or the best laptop on the market, don't be afraid to drop them a line on Twitter or through email.

Read more
Find the best Mac antivirus for you. Even your Mac needs an anti-virus software for protection.
Best antivirus software for Mac of 2025
Image of laptop infected with malware threat
This devious new macOS malware disguises itself as Chrome, Zoom installers
Ransomware
Microsoft spies a new and worrying macOS malware strain
Lock on Laptop Screen
NotLockBit ransomware targets Apple users with advanced file-locking and data exfiltration
Illustration of a laptop with a magnifying glass exposing a beetle on-screen
This devious macOS malware is evading capture by using Apple's own encryption
Security
Microsoft reveals more on a potentially major Apple macOS security flaw
Latest in Security
Application Security Testing Concept with Digital Magnifying Glass Scanning Applications to Detect Vulnerabilities - AST - Process of Making Apps Resistant to Security Threats - 3D Illustration
Google bug bounty payments hit nearly $12 million in 2024
Representational image of a cybercriminal
Criminals are spreading malware disguised as DeepSeek AI
AMD logo
Security flaw means AMD Zen CPUs can be "jailbroken"
healthcare
Software bug meant NHS information was potentially “vulnerable to hackers”
A hacker wearing a hoodie sitting at a computer, his face hidden.
Experts warn this critical PHP vulnerability could be set to become a global problem
botnet
YouTubers targeted by blackmail campaign to promote malware on their channels
Latest in News
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 19: the 3 biggest rumors so far, and what I want to see
Doom: The Dark Ages
Doom: The Dark Ages' director confirms DLC is in the works and says the game won't end the way 2016's Doom begins: 'If we took it all the way to that point, then that would mean that we couldn't tell any more medieval stories'
DVDs in a pile
Warner Bros is replacing some DVDs that ‘rot’ and become unwatchable – but there’s a big catch that undermines the value of physical media
A costumed Matt Murdock smiles at someone off-camera in Netflix's Daredevil TV show
Daredevil: Born Again is Disney+'s biggest series of 2025 so far, but another Marvel TV show has performed even better
Application Security Testing Concept with Digital Magnifying Glass Scanning Applications to Detect Vulnerabilities - AST - Process of Making Apps Resistant to Security Threats - 3D Illustration
Google bug bounty payments hit nearly $12 million in 2024
Nintendo Switch 2
A Nintendo Switch 2 FCC filing confirms Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support for the upcoming console