The Rapid Security Response patches released Monday for iOS 16.5.1, macOS Ventura 13.4.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1 have been pulled back by Apple. They made changes to WebKit, and reportedly were causing problems with some websites.
This isn’t ideal, as they were introduced to close a security hole that has been exploited by hackers.
Rapid Security Response patches released then pulled
Apple developed Rapid Security Responses to enable it to quickly close vulnerabilities in its operating systems. These patches only fix security problems and make no other changes.
The Mac-maker introduced a trio of them on Monday, but has since been forced to withdraw them.
iPhone and iPad users who experience problems can delete the patches from their devices. Go to Settings -> General -> About. Next, tap on iOS Version, and on the resulting page tap on Remove Security Response. Then tap Remove to confirm.
Mac users who choose to remove the RSR should go to the Apple menu -> About this Mac -> and click More Info. Under macOS, click the Info (i) button next to the version number. Click Remove and Restart, and then click to confirm.
It is not known at this time when updated versions of the Rapid Security Responses will be available.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
