Apple has just used its new Rapid Security Response system for the primary time in a common public launch—all prior RSR patches have been for iOS/macOS beta testing functions.
The patch comes as an update for these operating iOS or iPadOS 16.4.1 or macOS 13.3.1. There aren’t any launch notes for this update, Apple solely offers the boilerplate description: “This Rapid Security Response provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.” The update is 85.2MB in contrast with almost 2GB for iOS 16.4.1.
As Apple describes, the brand new Rapid Security Response system will let it patch security vulnerabilities while not having to attend for bigger model releases that take weeks to check:
Rapid Security Responses are a new sort of software program launch for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. They ship essential security enhancements between software program updates — for instance, enhancements to the Safari net browser, the WebKit framework stack, or different vital system libraries. They can also be used to mitigate some security points extra shortly, corresponding to points which may have been exploited or reported to exist “in the wild.”
New Rapid Security Responses are delivered just for the most recent model of iOS, iPadOS and macOS — starting with iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1.
At this time, Apple’s Security Updates web page doesn’t but record the particular fixes of this RSR. We’ll update this story as extra particulars concerning the update are made obtainable, although it’s attainable Apple gained’t disclose the patches till iOS 16.5 arrives. It’s not clear if Apple might be transferring away from security fixes which are tied to level updates or if these RSR updates are for faster emergency-style fixes.
If you wish to be sure to obtain these updates, go to Settings (System Settings on macOS) > General > Software Updates > Automatic Updates and be sure to have “Security Responses & System Files” enabled. They are reportedly being , so your machine may not obtain the update instantly or there could also be points putting in it. These fixes will finally be included within the subsequent iOS/iPadOS/macOS launch, however that may take a whereas and depart your machine weak within the meantime.
This new system was meant as a manner for Apple to update vital system parts shortly with out updating all of iOS, which might embrace updates to built-in apps and requires a lot extra testing earlier than launch.
