What is Apple’s Rapid Security Response? iPhone users receive update

A new kind of update has arrived for iPhones this week, and we’re likely to see more of its kind, including on Macs
A software update called 16.4.1 (a) was pushed to iOS users from May 1, although some iPhone owners started to receive the alert on only May 4
Apple
Andrew Williams4 May 2023

Apple has deployed a new type of update for iPhone and iPad users — a Rapid Security Response.

A software update called 16.4.1 (a) was pushed to iOS users on May 1, although some iPhone owners started to receive the alert on only May 4.

While Rapid Security Response (RSR) sounds an ominous name, it simply refers to security-led software releases that arrive between software updates that also alter and add device features.

Apple describes them as “a new type of software release” that delivers “important security improvements between software updates”.

This is the kind of update we’re likely to see if a major new security threat appears that Apple needs to tackle quickly, though.

“They may also be used to mitigate some security issues more quickly, such as issues that might have been exploited or reported to exist “in the wild”,” Apple said on its support pages.

How Apple’s Rapid Security Response updates work

These updates will be delivered to supported iPhones, iPad and Macs as long as they are already running the latest version of the software. If not, there will be an additional update queued ahead of the RSR one.

It’s not clear if this first RSR update was a response to an evolving security threat, or just a test of this new style of update. 16.4.1 (a) was not accompanied by traditional release notes, which typically dig into what a software update adds and changes.

However, their security-focused style means these updates should not cause problems in how your iPhone, iPad or Mac runs — such problems can arise with normal updates.

Apple says these RSR updates will be applied automatically by default, but you can alter your iPhone’s update settings in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.

When the Security Responses & System Files option is enabled, the updates will install automatically. You may be prompted to restart your Apple device once this has happened.

You won’t miss out on anything if you do not install the updates, as their content will be wound into a standard update further down the line. However, rejecting them may put your Apple device at greater risk of certain security threats.

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