Apple has recently introduced a game-changing feature called “Rapid Security Response” for iOS and macOS users.
This innovative solution allows Apple to promptly distribute crucial security patches to iPhone and Mac users without the need for a complete software update.
Apple is now rolling out its inaugural public Rapid Security Response update for iOS 16.4.1 users.
This update, initially detected by Twitter user Aaron Zollo, is quickly becoming available to iPhone users worldwide.
Although specific details regarding the security vulnerabilities being addressed have not been disclosed by Apple, the company is recommending the update for all users.
The patch, which is approximately 85MB in size, is causing some users to encounter an error message: “Unable to verify security response.”
PURPOSE
In a recent support document, Apple clarified the purpose of Rapid Security Response updates:
Rapid Security Responses are a new type of software release for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
They deliver important security improvements between software updates. For example, improvements to the Safari web browser, the WebKit framework stack, or other critical system libraries.
They used to mitigate some security issues more quickly. Such as issues that might exploit or reported to exist “in the wild.”
New Rapid Security Responses are delivering only for the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Beginning with iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1.
In addition to iOS users, Apple is also releasing a separate Rapid Security Response update for Mac users running macOS 13.3.1.