Apple and Google are to begin testing a new firmware update for their iPhone 5s and 5c devices, as the two firms seek to address a growing number of security issues, according to reports.

According to The Verge, the update is a beta version of the firmware, which was developed for Apple’s new MacBook Pro and MacBook Pro with Retina Display, and Google’s Nexus 7 tablet.

It was first reported by The Verge last week.

The news comes as Apple and Microsoft are battling to get new hardware on their handsets, which have seen an increasing number of vulnerabilities in recent months.

Apple has also been trying to bolster its security software, which has been updated regularly to include fixes for vulnerabilities in the operating system and iOS apps, according the reports.