Apple Releases Rapid Security Response Update for iOS 16.4 Beta Users

Apple today released a Rapid Security Response update that is available for those running the iOS 16.4 beta, marking the launch of the third RSR update since the feature was introduced in iOS 16.

apple rapid security response
The Rapid Security Response Update is designed to provide iOS 16.4 beta users with bug fixes without the need to install a full update, and this is likely a test update given the small file size.

iOS Security Response 16.4 (a) is available through the standard Software Update mechanism in the Settings app, but is a quick update, requiring just a couple of minutes to download the update and then a quick restart for the install process.

Once the Rapid Security Response update is installed, iOS 16.4 users will see an updated version of iOS 16.4 (a), and tapping on the version in the About section of Settings will display information about the installed iOS version and the Rapid Security Response update. Those who want to disable Rapid Security Response updates can do so by following our how to.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dual Tone Feature 1

iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 8 New Features

Thursday January 9, 2025 5:45 am PST by
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. iPhone 17 Pro concept based on rumors Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of January 2025: More aluminum: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models ...
Generic iOS 18

iOS 18.3 Coming Soon: Here's What's New

Monday January 13, 2025 5:33 am PST by
iOS 18.3 is currently in beta for developers and public beta testers. So far, the upcoming iPhone software update is very minor in scope. Below, we outline what is new in iOS 18.3 so far. The only potential new feature coming to iPhones with iOS 18.3 so far is robot vacuum support in the Home app, but this functionality is not yet live. Apple is laying the groundwork for the feature,...
HomePod mini and Apple TV

HomePod Mini 2 and New Apple TV Launch Timeframe Narrowed Down

Sunday January 12, 2025 4:11 pm PST by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple plans to release new HomePod mini and Apple TV models this year, and now he has provided a more precise timeframe. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said Apple is currently aiming to launch the new HomePod mini and Apple TV models "toward the end of the year." That timeframe suggests the devices will be released at some point...
new magsafe charger

Apple Releases Updated MagSafe Charger Firmware

Tuesday January 14, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple today released new firmware designed for the 25W MagSafe Charger that is compatible with the iPhone 12 and later and the latest AirPods and Apple Watch models. The updated firmware is version 2A143, up from the 2A138 firmware that the accessory shipped with. In the Settings app, you'll see a different version number than the internal firmware number. The 2024 MagSafe charger was...
se 4 for 2025

When to Expect the iPhone SE 4 or So-Called 'iPhone 16E' to Launch

Friday January 10, 2025 9:20 am PST by
Apple is widely rumored to be planning a new iPhone SE, and multiple sources lately have commented on the device's launch timing. The latest word comes from Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a blog post today, he said the device will be released around the middle of the first half of 2025. In other words, around the quarter mark of 2025. That means the next iPhone SE will likely be ...
airpods pro 2 gradient

AirPods Pro 3 Expected This Year: Here's What We Know

Wednesday January 8, 2025 7:05 am PST by
Despite being released over two years ago, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 continue to dominate the wireless earbud market. However, with the AirPods Pro 3 expected to launch sometime in 2025, anyone thinking of buying Apple's premium earbuds may be wondering if the next generation is worth holding out for. Apart from their audio and noise-canceling performance, which are generally regarded as...
AppleEventLogoFeature

Apple Focusing on These Eight New Low-Cost Devices in 2025

Saturday January 11, 2025 1:00 am PST by
Apple's slate of 2025 products look to be dominated by a large number of low-cost and entry-level devices. Here's what to expect. With advancements like Apple Intelligence and all-new in-house chip designs, Apple is reportedly looking to enhance many of its budget-friendly offerings, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly crowded market. These updates also indicate a slight...
General Apps Messages Redux

Phishing Attacks Use This Simple Trick to Defeat iPhone Message Security

Monday January 13, 2025 6:11 am PST by
A new social engineering tactic is being used by cybercriminals to trick iPhone users into disabling iMessage's built-in phishing protection, in a bid to expose them to malicious links and scams, according to BleepingComputer. The scam exploits a security feature in iMessage that automatically disables links from unknown senders. Apple told the outlet that when users reply to these messages...

Top Rated Comments

redbeard331 Avatar
25 months ago
Wish we knew what it was for.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nikhsub1 Avatar
25 months ago
Man I love this! Much better than rolling out the whole OS...
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ladon08 Avatar
25 months ago

To me, this is really no different. If they still require a restart then it’s the exact same procedure with a different name. Download thing, agree to install thing, restart. No thanks.

A truly streamlined rapid update should work like updating apps through the App Store - I press a button and it does its thing in the background with zero disruption to my use of the device, no restart required, no password required, no nothing.
I mean, considering their infrequency, I wouldn’t let it bother you too much.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lounge vibes 05 Avatar
25 months ago

To me, this is really no different. If they still require a restart then it’s the exact same procedure with a different name. Download thing, agree to install thing, restart. No thanks.

A truly streamlined rapid update should work like updating apps through the App Store - I press a button and it does its thing in the background with zero disruption to my use of the device, no restart required, no password required, no nothing.
Well, this requires one simple reboot, which takes like 30 seconds.
A regular update requires a file install that’s anywhere from 200MB to 5+GB, a long preparing and verification process, and usually three reboots where the update actually indexes and installs.
That takes closer to 20 minutes to a half hour to even longer.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TracesOfArsenic Avatar
25 months ago

Rapidy fixing bugs. That's a new one.
They had to fix this bug to allow some bigger ones to get through for the public release.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lindros2 Avatar
25 months ago
just got this a moment ago...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)