- Apple is releasing a new type of intermediate express security update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS called Rapid Security Response (RSR)
- These updates make it possible to fix vulnerabilities faster without requiring a new version of the operating system
- The first update of this type concerns users of iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1 and macOS 13.3.1 – once the update has been carried out a letter (in this case one (a) on this first iteration ) is added next to the version number
Apple has just innovated in terms of security for its iOS, iPadOS and macOS operating systems. The Cupertino company is indeed launching a new type of faster intermediate security update that allows you to deploy important patches without having to wait for the release of a new major or minor version of the system.
These rapid security updates, named Rapid Security Response (RSR), are provided only after installing the latest version of iOS, iPadOS and macOS, starting with iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1 and macOS 13.3.1. They are indicated by a letter appended to the end of the version number, for example iOS 16.4.1 (a) or macOS 13.3.1 (a). They are optional and can be removed at any time from the system settings.
Why does an (a) now appear next to the version of iOS, iPadOS and macOS?
The advantage of this new system is that it allows Apple to react more quickly to vulnerabilities discovered on its platforms, without having to go through the usual process of testing and validating full system updates. This makes users more secure and gives them more flexibility in choosing which updates to install.
The first rapid security update was released after the weekend of May 1, 2023 to fix last-minute bugs that weren’t fixed by stable releases in iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1. These stable versions had introduced several new features on iPhones, iPads and Macs, such as the new Stage Manager window management system, which improves multitasking by allowing windows to be moved and resized like on a computer.
They had also inherited several features launched on iOS 16 in September 2022, such as the ability to edit messages in the Messages application or the arrival of a Weather application on the iPad. With these rapid security updates, Apple shows that it does not neglect the security of its operating systems and that it is able to adapt to the needs of users in terms of protection against threats.
However, the launch of the first RSR updates was not easy for the Apple teams. Initially, this first RSR update caused some bugs for some users – which were all corrected on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
In its official press release, Apple explains that these updates “provide users with significant security enhancements between software updates”. The firm also states that “when an express update has been applied, a letter appears after the software version number” and “this new type of software release is designed to be easily installed and removed” in the settings.
As we told you above, you can check for these updates by going to your device settings. If the version number is not accompanied by a letter, you can start the search for updates – which will cause the installation of this quick update on your smartphone.
