The new feature makes it possible to push security updates to all devices faster and more frequently.

With the update to iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura, Apple introduced the Rapid Security Response feature. The manufacturer wants to use this to send security updates to devices faster without requiring a completely new version patch. In this way, Apple hopes to close security gaps around, for example, Webkit-related bugs in Safari and other apps that use the built-in browser engine more quickly.

After the release of iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura last September, Apple has now pushed such a patch through the system for the first time. The update adds an (a) to your OS version to let you know you have the latest version installed.

It is striking that Apple does not really provide much information with the patch. Tapping the link provided with the update will take you to a general manufacturer support page. Since the patch is currently only visible to iOS, iPadOS and macOS Ventura beta testers, Apple may need to test the feature further. If you are not a beta tester, you will not get such an update for the time being.

According to ArsTechnica, the update can also be installed without restarting the device, but Apple does not rule out that a restart may be necessary in certain cases in the future. Beta testers who immediately pressed the update button this weekend received an error message. That’s behind us now, everything works as it should.