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

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Top Rated Comments

CarAnalogy Avatar
32 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
32 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
32 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
32 months ago
Do these rapid security response updates require a respring or reboot?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Naraxus Avatar
32 months ago
So this is it. This is how they're going install their CSAM spyware.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChronicLynx Avatar
32 months ago


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Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)