OS X El Capitan LogoApple today released a new version of OS X El Capitan Security Update 2016-003, fixing an additional kernel issue that could cause Macs running the operating system to freeze up and become unresponsive.

The 2016-003 Security Update for OS X El Capitan was originally released on December 13 alongside macOS Sierra 10.12.2, but was today reissued with the fix.

Customers who have not downloaded the security update at all will get the new version when updating their machines, while customers who previously installed the security fix will receive a supplemental update to address the freezing problem.

The OS X El Capitan Security Update 2016-003 Supplemental Update fixes a kernel issue that may cause your Mac to occasionally become unresponsive.

Mac users who are still running OS X El Capitan can download the update through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store, and direct download links are also available (Standard Update/Supplemental Update).

The original 2016-003 update fixed a number of security vulnerabilities in the OS X El Capitan operating system.

Related Forum: OS X El Capitan

Top Rated Comments

119 months ago
I think you may have missed the obvious sarcasm in his post.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bart Kela Avatar
119 months ago
Aren't there any reasonable apple users that don't moan and groan the same anti apple stuff every time the slightest little thing happens? And why don't you move to Windows and receive those very other day updates? That will give you lots to complain about.

I understand how complex computers have become and how hard it can be to prevent issues. I applaud Apple for what they do. I deplore users who love to complain for the sake of complaining. They should be banned from using Apple products, which frankly, are too good for them.
Smilies were invented to add some subtlety to online written communications. In this case, they communicate sarcasm and the emojis used were correctly employed.

Next time, when a contributor includes emojis, think about what made them consciously decide to include those in the post.

As a matter of fact, MORE people here should use emojis since there are a large number of readers for whom English is not their first language.

Thank you for reading. :D
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Daniel Reed Avatar
119 months ago
It's a security update, not a feature change.
Yes, folks should apply the patch.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
119 months ago
Ugh, ANOTHER security update? Can't apple EVER get ANYTHING right?



;):rolleyes:
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
119 months ago
Man 10.11.6 is running fine on my 12" rMB do I want to rattle the bee's nest ?
No. Wait until you crash, lose your data, scream so loud you have a stroke, and then update.

Ugh, ANOTHER security update? Can't apple EVER get ANYTHING right?



;):rolleyes:
Aren't there any reasonable apple users that don't moan and groan the same anti apple stuff every time the slightest little thing happens? And why don't you move to Windows and receive those very other day updates? That will give you lots to complain about.

I understand how complex computers have become and how hard it can be to prevent issues. I applaud Apple for what they do. I deplore users who love to complain for the sake of complaining. They should be banned from using Apple products, which frankly, are too good for them.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
119 months ago
Is Apple still supporting Mavericks with any security updates if needed?
Not anymore. The oldest one still supported as such is yosemite, which will probably cease when macOS 10.13 is released.

But this El Capitan one updates the build number from 15G1212 to 15G1217.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
M3 iPad Air

Apple's Next Two Products Are Coming Soon

Thursday February 12, 2026 11:17 am PST by
Apple plans to release an iPhone 17e and an iPad Air with an M4 chip "in the coming weeks," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple retail employees say that inventory of the iPhone 16e has basically dried out and the iPad Air is seeing shortages as well," said Gurman. "I've been expecting new versions of both (iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air) in the coming weeks."...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Event on March 4: Here's What to Expect

Tuesday February 17, 2026 8:08 am PST by
Apple on Monday invited selected journalists and content creators to a "special Apple Experience" on Wednesday, March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. At an Apple Experience, attendees are typically given the opportunity to try out Apple's latest hardware or software. Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio last month, for example, some content creators attended an Apple Experience...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

Gurman: iPhone 18 Pro Could Be Underwhelming

Monday February 16, 2026 4:24 am PST by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models "won't be a big update," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the iPhone 18 Pro models will "represent minor tweaks from last year's iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max." He compared the upgrade to Apple's past practice of appending the letter "S" to its more minor...
Coffee Burgundy and Purple iPhone 18 Pro Mock

Five iPhone 18 Pro Features Revealed in New Report

Friday February 13, 2026 8:43 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still seven months away, an analyst has revealed five new features the devices will allegedly have. Rumored color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models In a research note with investment firm GF Securities on Thursday, analyst Jeff Pu outlined the following upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro models: Smaller Dynamic Island: It has been rumored...