Apple releases new urgent security updates for iPhones, iPads and more

If you are part of the Apple ecosystem via an iPhone, an iPad or a Mac, you should check for Apple’s latest security updates and update your device immediately. The new update, classified as a Rapid Security Response (RSR) update, include patches for security vulnerabilities that open up your Apple device to security flaws that malicious users or programs could take advantage of.

Here’s everything you need to know about the update, including specific version numbers, and how to install the same on your Apple iPhone, iPad or Mac device.

Apple iPhone and iPad series

For iPhones, the new RSR update is iOS 16.5.1 (a), and it is available for the Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and later, all the way up to the newer iPhone 14 series. For the Apple iPad series, this is the iPadOS 16.5.1 (a). The (a) denotes a follow up to the original 16.5.1 update which came with the security flaw, and was taken down by the brand hours after it was released.

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To update your iPhone or iPad, simply navigate to the Settings app > General > Software update. Look for the new update card and choose Download and Install. Follow any on-screen instructions till your device reboots. You now have the latest security update.

Apple Macs, iMacs and MacBooks

For Apple’s Mac, iMac and MacBook computers, the new update comes in the form of the macOS 13.4.1 (a) update. To update your macOS version, go to the Apple Menu > System Settings > Software Update. You can alternatively go to Apple Menu > System Preferences and click Software Update. macOS users can even click the Spotlight icon and type Software Update and you can directly get to the update page.