Apple Will Let You Remove Rapid Security Response Updates in iOS 16

Apple in iOS 16 added a new Rapid Security Response feature that's meant to make it quicker and easier for the company to deploy security improvements to iPhone users without a full iOS update. By default, Rapid Security Responses are installed automatically, but Apple has implemented a way to remove them.

automatic security updates ios 16
In an updated support document shared today, Apple says that you can remove a Rapid Security Response from your device by going to Settings > General > About, tapping the iOS version, and then tapping Remove Security Update.

Apple says you can then reinstall the Rapid Security Response at a later date, or wait for it to be installed permanently as part of a standard software update. It is not clear why a Rapid Security Response would need to be removed, but it's nice that users will have the option.


There is also a toggle for turning off automatic installation of Rapid Security Responses, which then allows them to be downloaded manually.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Black

Apple Just Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever After Beats

Thursday January 29, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio. Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014. Q.ai has...
imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026

Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
Apple Creator Studio

Apple's Next Launch is Today

Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available. Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
apple silicon 1 feature

Apple Responds to Skyrocketing RAM and Storage Chip Prices

Thursday January 29, 2026 2:40 pm PST by
On an earnings call with equity analysts today, Apple CEO Tim Cook responded to fast-rising RAM and SSD storage chip prices in the supply chain. Prices for RAM and NAND storage chips are surging lately due to high demand from companies building out AI servers, resulting in supply constraints. Cook said that rising memory chip prices had a "minimal impact" on Apple's gross margin in the...

Top Rated Comments

CarAnalogy Avatar
44 months ago
One step closer to Windows? The only reason to remove updates there is when they cause terrible unforeseen issues. Which has happened a LOT the last couple years.

Hopefully that doesn’t start becoming the case here.

Of course Microsoft a few years ago went in the opposite direction, removing the ability to remove individual updates and bundling everything into one giant blob instead.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
44 months ago

Why does it say that some files will be installed automatically even when the option is turned off? You can’t really turn it off then can you?

Because some updated system files are necessary core parts of the OS.

This is another good move by Apple.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
eicca Avatar
44 months ago
I'm glad I have that option. Now bring back the option to change my home screen wallpaper without wanting to rip my hair out.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrRom92 Avatar
44 months ago
Do these rapid security response updates require a respring or reboot?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Naraxus Avatar
44 months ago
So this is it. This is how they're going install their CSAM spyware.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChronicLynx Avatar
44 months ago


Attachment Image
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)