### Apple Takes a Bold Step in Cybersecurity: Doubling Bug Bounty to $2 Million Apple has significantly enhanced its cybersecurity measures by doubling its maximum bug bounty reward to **$2 million**. This initiative aims to attract top cybersecurity researchers to identify critical vulnerabilities in its software, particularly in light of increasing threats from mercenary spyware and sophisticated cyber attacks. The company has also introduced potential bonuses that could raise total rewards to **$5 million** for exceptional exploit chains, thereby reinforcing its commitment to user security and privacy [https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/apple-doubles-security-bounty-to-usd2-million-with-bonuses-potentially-increasing-rewards-to-usd5-million]. ### Structure of Apple's Enhanced Bug Bounty Program 1. **Increased Maximum Payout**: Apple has raised the cap on its bug bounty from **$1 million to $2 million** for critical software vulnerabilities [https://www.financial-world.org/news/news/financial/29167/apple-expands-security-rewards-and-pledges-5-million-for-top-exploit-chains]. 2. **Potential for Higher Rewards**: With additional bonuses for specific types of exploits, total payouts can reach up to **$5 million** [https://www.greenground.it/2025/10/11/apple-ups-the-reward-for-finding-major-exploits-to-2-million]. 3. **Focus on Sophisticated Threats**: The program specifically targets vulnerabilities that could enable "mercenary spyware-level" attacks, reflecting the growing concern over state-sponsored and advanced persistent threats [https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/apple-offers-to-pay-up-to-2-million-to-researchers-for-finding-pegasus-like-spyware-in-iphones-and-other-devices-article-13609925.html]. 4. **Expanded Categories**: The bounty program now includes rewards for user-interaction, physical access, and sandbox exploits, broadening the scope of vulnerabilities that can be reported [https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/apple-will-pay-you-up-to-2-million-if-you-find-critical-bugs-in-its-software-5-key-things-to-know-photo-gallery-13610491.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of Apple's Commitment to Security - **Doubling of Maximum Payout**: The increase from **$1 million to $2 million** marks a significant shift in Apple's approach to cybersecurity [https://www.techspot.com/news/109814-apple-doubles-top-bug-bounty-2-million-ndash.html]. - **Potential Total Rewards**: The possibility of earning up to **$5 million** for exceptional exploit chains is unprecedented in the industry, setting a new standard for bug bounty programs [https://www.iclarified.com/98751/apple-doubles-top-security-bounty-to-2-million-to-combat-mercenary-spyware]. - **Targeting Advanced Threats**: The focus on "mercenary spyware" reflects Apple's proactive stance against sophisticated cyber threats, which have become increasingly prevalent [https://www.universmartphone.com/2025/10/10/apple-introduces-2m-bug-bounty-for-spyware-level-exploits]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move in Cybersecurity In summary, Apple's decision to double its bug bounty to **$2 million** and offer potential rewards of up to **$5 million** represents a strategic move to bolster its cybersecurity defenses against evolving threats. This initiative is characterized by: 1. **Increased Financial Incentives**: The doubling of the maximum payout is designed to attract top-tier cybersecurity talent. 2. **Broader Scope of Vulnerabilities**: The expanded categories for reporting vulnerabilities reflect a comprehensive approach to security. 3. **Focus on Advanced Threats**: By targeting sophisticated spyware attacks, Apple is positioning itself as a leader in cybersecurity. This overhaul of the bug bounty program not only enhances Apple's security posture but also sets a new benchmark in the tech industry for incentivizing cybersecurity research [https://www.axios.com/2025/10/10/apple-bug-bounty-payments-iphone-spyware].