Apple releases its first Rapid Security Response update for iPhones, iPads and Macs: what it means

Apple’s Rapid Security Responses

As the name suggests, Rapid Security Responses will essentially fix underlying security issues or any new bug without having to wait for a software update. Some of these examples according to Apple include improvements to Safari, the Webkit framework stack, and any other critical system libraries. Rapid Security Responses will also fix issues “that might have been exploited or reported to exist in the wild.”

How to download Rapid Security Responses

The first Rapid Security Responses update has been rolled out, and it is available with iOS 16.4.1 (a) for iPhones, iPadOS 16.4.1 for iPads, and macOS 13.3.1 for Macs. You can head to your device’s settings menu to download and install the latest update. Also, this is available only for latest OS versions mentioned above. Once Rapid Security Responses is download, your device will automatically install it. You might also be asked to restart your device if required.

Also, for the update to automatically install in your iPhone or iPad you will have to go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Mac users can open the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.

You can also choose to not install Rapid Security Responses, and if so then you will receive security fixes through the usual software updates. Apple also issues a letter along with the update so you have a better idea of what it is exactly about.