Apple Will Let You Remove Rapid Security Response Updates in iOS 16 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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 Event Logo

Apple's Next Era Begins September 1

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:36 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after 15 years of leading the company. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company,...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in September With These 10 New Features

Saturday May 9, 2026 6:03 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...
Apple Watch Series 10 Jet Black Touch ID

Apple Watch Series 12 and watchOS 27: What to Expect Later This Year

Friday May 8, 2026 2:07 pm PDT by
While not too much has been reported about the next Apple Watch models, there are a few rumors about potential design changes and watchOS 27 features. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are expected to be released in September, and we have outlined some of the key rumored hardware and software changes below. A new Apple Watch SE is not expected this year, as that model was...

Top Rated Comments

48 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
48 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
48 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)
Naraxus Avatar
48 months ago
So this is it. This is how they're going install their CSAM spyware.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChronicLynx Avatar
48 months ago


Attachment Image
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrRom92 Avatar
48 months ago
Do these rapid security response updates require a respring or reboot?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)