Apple Releases Rapid Security Response Updates for iOS 16.5.1 and macOS 13.4.1 to Fix Actively Exploited Vulnerability [Updated]

Apple today released Rapid Security Response (RSR) updates that are available for iPhone and iPad users running the iOS and iPadOS 16.5.1 updates and the macOS Ventura 13.4.1 update.

Rapid Security Response Feature 1
Rapid Security Response updates are designed to provide iOS and macOS users with security fixes without the need to install a full software update. Today's updates address an actively exploited WebKit vulnerability, so it is a good idea to update as soon as possible.

iOS Security Response 16.5.1 is available through the standard Software Update mechanism in the ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ Settings app, but is a quick update, requiring just a couple of minutes to download the update and then a quick restart for the install process. The macOS update can be installed through System Settings.

Once the Rapid Security Response update is installed, iOS 16.5.1 users and macOS Ventura 13.4.1 users will see an updated version of the software, and tapping on the version in the About section of Settings will display information about the installed OS version and the Rapid Security Response update. Those who want to disable Rapid Security Response updates on ‌iPhone‌ can do so by following our how to. The updates can also be disabled on the Mac.

Apple has been testing the Rapid Security Response feature since last year, with RSRs first introduced with the launch of iOS 16 and macOS Ventura.

Update: Apple has pulled the RSRs because they caused a bug with Safari.

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Top Rated Comments

txscott Avatar
23 months ago
Breaking Facebook is one of the best security fixes you can get. As an additional benefit your privacy is also significantly enhanced.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MiuffinB0y Avatar
23 months ago

This is good, but Apple need to work on a way for RSRs to NOT require a restart if possible. Even better would be automatic background installation with no restart, or a restart scheduled for the middle of the night (e.g., 3 AM). Having to chase people to get them to update their phones is a real drag.
That's not possible as some security updates impact programs that are loaded in memory. A restart makes sure that the system loads the proper version in memory.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JPack Avatar
23 months ago
Only 2.8MB, talk about compact! Installation took only about 30 seconds plus a restart. This is what it should have been like a long time ago.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jbachandouris Avatar
23 months ago
And now Facebook is giving me an unsupported browser error. Was working fine before.

Disabled extensions and ran Onyx to clean things out. No change.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FishyFish Avatar
23 months ago
Yup this breaks Facebook. Maybe that's the security fix?

Also breaks Instagram.

Also breaks Zoom.

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Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
clayj Avatar
23 months ago
This is good, but Apple need to work on a way for RSRs to NOT require a restart if possible. Even better would be automatic background installation with no restart, or a restart scheduled for the middle of the night (e.g., 3 AM). Having to chase people to get them to update their phones is a real drag.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)