Tag: Security Response

After releasing and pulling back of critical security update for iOS and macOS, Apple finally releases the updated fix.

This time fix should be adjusted for Safari user agent string.

Fix is referenced as iOS 16.5.1 (c) and macOS Ventura 13.4.1 (c).

Reference: Apple Releases Revised iOS and macOS Security Updates to Fix Actively Exploited Vulnerability and Safari Bug

Apple was testing Rapid Security Response on beta versions previously, and now finally uses those for iOS/iPadOS 16.4.1 and macOS Ventura 13.3.1.

Apple did not provide security contents of the update yet.

Apple Support: About Rapid Security Responses for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS

Apple publishes beta 3 for iOS/iPadOS 16.4, macOS Ventura 13.3, watchOS 9.4 and tvOS 16.4. No corresponding Xcode beta is published.

Apple now addresses question raised by developers on how to use developer Apple ID to get beta on the device. Users could pick separate Apple ID to install beta software on the device.

Apple also now warns users that Rapid Security Response might be incompatible with some applications.

Researches also noticed that future Car Key implementations could solely rely on UWB and drop support for NFC.

watchOS 9.4 beta addresses issue on Apple Watch Series 6 (44mm model) incorrectly estimating total battery capacity.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes:

• iOS & iPadOS 16.4 Beta 3 Release Notes
• macOS Ventura 13.3 Beta 3 Release Notes
• watchOS 9.4 Beta 3 Release Notes
• tvOS 16.4 Beta 3 Release Notes

References:

• iOS 16.4 Will Let You Specify an Apple ID to Use for Beta Access
• Apple Continues Building Out Rapid Security Response Feature in iOS 16.4 Beta
• iOS 16.4 beta hints at Car Key feature dropping NFC support in the future
• Everything new in iOS 16.4 beta 3

Apple continues to test Rapid Security Response mechanism on iOS and macOS.

As in previous case, there are no details on actual content of this update. Most likely, this update is just a test for the delivery system itself.

Reference: Apple Releases Second Rapid Security Response Updates for iOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3 Ventura Beta Users

Apple seemingly continues testing Rapid Security Response mechanisms on its operating systems releasing updates to iOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3 beta.

No known details of the contents of said updates.

References:

• Apple Releases Rapid Security Response Update for iOS 16.4 Beta Users
• Apple pushes Rapid Security Response update for iOS 16.4 beta, may just be a test
• Apple Releases Rapid Security Response Update for macOS Ventura 13.3 Beta

Apple continues to beta test iOS/iPadOS 16.3, macOS 13.2, watchOS 9.3 and tvOS 16.3. New round of beta versions also comes without new Xcode beta.

No notable changes are reported for this beta round so far.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes notes do not indicate any changes too.

Just yesterday Apple also published new Rapid Security Response to macOS 13.2 beta 1.

References:

• Apple Releases Second Rapid Security Response Update for macOS Ventura 13.2 Beta
• iOS 16.3 beta 2 now rolling out to developers, here’s what’s new so far

Following couple of Rapid Security Responses for iOS 16.2 betas, Apple now tests this update channel on macOS 13.2 beta.

No information behind the contents of this Security Response, probably this is just a test of update delivery mechanism.

Reference: Apple Releases Rapid Security Response Update for macOS Ventura 13.2 Beta

Following recent RC Apple now releases iOS/iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1 Ventura, watchOS 9.2 and tvOS 16.2. Xcode 14.2 is also released.

HomePodOS received corresponding update (which is required for Home updates and Matter support).

Apple also releases security bug fixes for previous OS releases - iOS 15 and macOS 11 Big Sur and macOS 12 Monterey.

This update brings several important updates:

• iCloud Advanced Data Protection;
• Support for Rapid Security Responses;
• Freeform application;
• Apple Music Sing;
• New Apple Watch workout modes;
• Apple Home reliability improvements;
• iPadOS external display support.

Apple Newsroom: Apple launches Freeform: a powerful new app designed for creative collaboration

References:

• iOS 16.2 rolling out today with Apple Music Sing, Freeform app, much more
• Apple Releases New HomePod 16.2 Software
• Apple Releases iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 With Freeform, Apple Music Sing, Advanced Data Protection and More
• Apple Releases watchOS 9.2 With Outdoor Workout Improvements, Crash Detection Optimizations, Noise App Tweaks and More
• Apple Releases tvOS 16.2 with Apple Music Sing, TV App Tweaks and More
• iPadOS 16.2 and Stage Manager for External Displays: Work in Progress, But Worth the Wait
• Apple Releases macOS Ventura 13.1 With Freeform, Advanced Data Protection, Find My Improvements and More
• Freeform Leverages the Freedom and Flexibility of a Blank Canvas
• Apple's Advanced Data Protection feature is here - what you need to know
• iPadOS 16.2 brings these improvements for Stage Manager, plus AirTag tracking alerts
• Hands on with Apple's Freeform collaborative brainstorming app
• watchOS 9.2 now available for Apple Watch; here’s everything new
• iOS 16.2 patches over a dozen security vulnerabilities, iOS 15.7.2 also available with fixes
• Apple Music launches collection of playlists with songs perfect for ‘Sing’ karaoke feature
• iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2
• macOS 13.1
• iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 Fix Over 30 Security Vulnerabilities
• Xcode 14.2 released with support for iOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1
• Xcode 14.2 Release
• Apple Watch Ultra gains battery improvement with watchOS 9.2 and Multisport workouts
• New Apple Music Sing Playlists Now Available in iOS 16.2
• 9to5Mac Daily: December 13, 2022 – Everything new in iOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, and more
• iOS 16.2 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.2

Apple continues to test security updates introduced in recent iOS 16.2 beta. Since it's still beta, it's not clear if this Rapid Security Response contained any actual security content. Most likely Apple tests the delivery and notification system itself.

Reference: Apple continues to test ‘Security Response’ feature in iOS 16.2 beta with new update

Apple not just tests the software now, but also tested critical security fix delivery. New iOS releases will have separate update options that include 'Rapid Security Response and System Files'.

Updates are working similar to regular updates, but probably will be smaller in size and quicker to install.

References:

• Apple Releases Rapid Security Response Update for iOS 16.2 Beta Users
• 5 important iPhone security features you should know about