Emergency update: Apple launches iOS 16.4.1(a) with delivery issues

Apple has released emergency updates for iPhone, iPad and Mac. As things stand at the moment, however, delivery is causing problems. Many users encounter an error message when trying to install the update.

Apple has just released iOS 16.4.1(a). The addition in brackets shows that this is a building update that brings important security updates.

These types of updates are called Rapid Security Response, or RSR for short, and are designed to provide quick security fixes. Apple hasn’t widely used RSRs yet – they denote out-of-order updates that are deployed to security vulnerabilities and known vulnerabilities.

delivery problems

Incidentally, it is still unclear which security-related problems are involved this time. The delivery is currently faulty. If you try to start the update manually and click “Download and install” in the settings, you will get a message that Apple is currently unable to check the security measure. In addition, it is incorrectly displayed that there is no connection to the Internet. These error messages seem to be widespread.

In the release notes for this update, Apple only explains the basics about the quick security measures, but does not give any details about the specific vulnerabilities. Some users are speculating that this update was meant to be a test delivery that went awry.

Release Notes iOS 16.4.1 (a)

This update includes important bug fixes and security improvements for your iPhone, including the following:

This quick security fix includes important security fixes and is recommended for all users.

For more information on the security aspects of Apple software updates, visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201224.

How to get iOS 16.4.1(a)

The distribution takes place as an over-the-air update (OTA), depending on the user settings, either at the preselected time or directly when available. You can also use iTunes with a PC for the update and connect your iOS device there. If you want to receive the update as quickly as possible and don’t want to wait for the automatic installation, you can search for the software update in the settings and install it directly. To do this, go to Settings / General / Software update. The iOS update is displayed there, you can start the download and install it directly. This usually gives you the update faster than waiting for an update notification or choosing the automatic function.

In addition to the update for the iPhone, Apple has also released iPadOS 16.4.1 (a) and MacOS Ventura 13.3.1 (a). All versions have the same download problems.

Summary

Apple has issued emergency updates for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
These Rapid Security Response (RSR) are important security updates.
The delivery is currently causing problems, which is why you can install it manually.
More information about the security aspects can be found on the Apple website.
You can install the update via OTA, iTunes or manually in the settings.
In addition to the iPhone update, there is also iPad OS 16.4.1 (a) and MacOS Ventura 13.3.1 (a).