Apple has released its first batch of “Rapid Security Responses,” publicly available patches designed to address security vulnerabilities that pose a significant risk to customers’ safety and privacy. The new software release will deliver critical security improvements between updates, such as those to the Safari web browser, the WebKit framework stack, or other critical system libraries. Apple states that these patches will mitigate security issues more quickly, providing vital security improvements to users running iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1.
Once installed, the software version will include a letter, such as iOS 16.4.1 (a), iPadOS 16.4.1 (a), and macOS 13.3.1 (a). Older versions of Apple’s software will not receive the quick security fix. By default, users’ devices will automatically allow Rapid Security Responses to be applied, and if necessary, will prompt a restart.
To ensure that “Security Responses & System Files” is turned on, iPhone or iPad users can go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. For Mac users, choose the Apple menu, then System Settings, and then click General in the sidebar. Afterward, click Software Update on the right and the Show Details button next to Automatic Updates to make sure that “Install Security Responses and system files” is turned on.
