Apple has released its first public Rapid Security Response update for devices running iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The software update comes after months of beta testing and is designed to deliver urgent security improvements and fixes to devices in the same way that Google delivers Android security patches to Android-powered devices. The iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1 updates are relatively small compared to regular software updates, with Apple choosing not to publish release notes that detail what has been fixed with each one. In this article, we take a closer look at Apple’s Rapid Security Response updates and what they offer.
What are Rapid Security Response Updates?
Rapid Security Response updates are a new type of software release from Apple, designed to deliver urgent security updates to iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. The updates are typically smaller in size than regular software updates and focused on fixing critical security issues such as vulnerabilities in the Safari browser, WebKit framework stack, and other critical system libraries. These updates are only available for devices running the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS and are switched on by default after installation.
According to Apple, the Rapid Security Response updates bring about a number of security improvements that enhance the security of the device. For instance, the update could fix exploits that are either reported or exist in the wild, preventing attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities to take control of the device or steal sensitive data. The update may also address obscure but potentially dangerous security issues that could put users at risk.
How Small Are These Updates?
The Rapid Security Response updates released by Apple are relatively small in size compared to regular software updates. Users who have installed this type of software release on their devices have reported that the update size varies between devices and can range from as low as 20MB to around 85.2MB. In some cases, the size of the update has even been smaller than this, reflecting Apple’s intention to deliver security improvements in the most efficient manner possible.
How Do You Opt-Out of Rapid Security Response Updates?
Users who wish to opt-out of the Rapid Security Response updates can choose to do so by heading to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and toggling off Security Responses & System files. Once they have made this change, they will eventually receive the same security patches in the next regular software update. Users should note that these updates are switched on by default after installation, so they will need to manually switch them off if they don’t want to receive the Rapid Security Response updates.
How Do You Remove a Rapid Security Response Update?
Users who have installed a Rapid Security Response update on their device can choose to remove it by heading to Settings > About > iOS Version > (Settings > General > About > macOS > “i” on macOS) and then tapping on Remove Security Response. This option is useful for users who want to roll back a security update that may have caused issues with their device or caused them to lose access to certain applications or features.
The Final Word
The release of the Rapid Security Response updates is a significant development for Apple users, providing them with a faster and more efficient way to receive critical security updates. These updates demonstrate Apple’s commitment to delivering a more secure computing experience for its users, ensuring that their devices are protected from the latest security threats and vulnerabilities. While the updates are switched on by default, users can opt-out if they wish, providing them with greater flexibility over how they manage security on their devices.
