Apple’s Second Rapid Security Response Update for iOS 16.2

• Apple released a Rapid Security Response update for users running the iOS 16.2 beta.
• This release marks the launch of a second RSR update since the feature was released in iOS 16 initially.
• The RSR update provides iOS 16.2 beta users with bug fixes without installing the full update.

Apple unveiled the much-awaited iOS 16 on June 6 at the WWDC 2022. On July 11, 2022, the first beta versions of iOS 16 and iPadOS were seeded by Apple. The iOS 16.2 update is all set to release with a bunch of exciting features, including Rapid Security Response (RSR). But before that, Apple released the iOS 16.2 beta version on November 16 to test the RSR feature. Now, on November 29, Apple released a second Rapid Security Response update for iOS 16.2 beta users.

Before we get into this update and how you can install it on your used iPhone 13 Pro, let’s see what the Rapid Security Response feature is.

What is Rapid Security Response Feature?

Apple introduced a new feature called Rapid Security Response (RSR) in iOS 16. This feature is designed for Apple to deploy security improvements easily and quickly. In simpler words, the RSR release for iOS ensures security updates automatically apply between standard software updates. It means users won’t have to install a full update to implement security fixes to iOS 16.2.

The RSR feature enables Apple to install security updates automatically on many devices, and users don’t have to think about it. You’ll be able to access the Rapid Security Response feature if you have one of the following iPhones:

• iPhone 14/Plus/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 13/mini/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 12/mini/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 11/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8/8 Plus
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

What is Rapid Security Response Update?

On November 29, Apple rolled out an update for users running the iOS 16.2 beta, marking the release of the 2nd RSR update since the feature was released. This update is designed for iOS 16.2 beta users, providing them with bug fixes without installing a full iOS update.

The first RSR update for iOS 16.2 users was a test that didn’t actually fix any bugs. Similarly, the size of this update indicates that it is also released for testing the RSR feature.

All the latest iPhone models are compatible with iOS 16.2 beta, including the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max used, iPhone 12, iPhone XR, iPhone 8, and more. So, you can install the iOS 16.2 beta version and get this update.

How to Install Rapid Security Response Update on iPhone

The Rapid Security Response update is available through the regular Software Update mechanism. You won’t have trouble finding and installing the RSR update if you know how to update your iPhone.

The iOS Security Response 16.2 (b) can be found in your iPhone’s Settings app. It is a quick update that doesn’t require more than a few minutes to download and install. After a quick restart, the update installs, and users can access the updated version of iOS 16.2 (b).

You can install an iPhone security update automatically or manually. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for both methods.

Automatically Installing RSR Update

You can turn on automatic updates on your iPhone when first setting up your new or used iPhone. If you didn’t do it, you could turn on automatic updates in the following steps:

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Open General.
3. Tap Software Updates.
4. Select Automatic Updates.
5. Toggle on Download iOS Updates, Install iOS Updates, and Security Responses & System Files.

After you turn on automatic updates, your iPhone will download and install available updates overnight while connected to the Wi-Fi and charging.

Manually Installing RSR Update

Follow these steps to download and install the RSR update on your iPhone manually:

1. Back up your iPhone using iCloud or your computer.
2. Connect it to Wi-Fi and plug it into a charger.
3. Open the Settings app.
4. Select General.
5. Tap Software Update.
6. You’ll see all available updates. Select the one you want to install. In this case, select iOS Security Response 16.2 (b).
7. Tap Download and Install.
8. After downloading the update, you’ll be prompted again to install it. Tap Install Now, and the update will start installing.

How to Disable Rapid Security Response Updates

Rapid Security Responses are installed automatically on iPhones by default. But Apple lets you remove Rapid Security Response updates in iOS 16. Here’s how you can disable Rapid Security Response updates on your iPhone running on iOS 16:

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Open General.
3. Select About.
4. Tap the iOS version.
5. Tap Remove Security Update.

You can reinstall the RSR update later or wait till it becomes a permanent part of the standard software update.

Conclusion

The Rapid Security Response feature is a welcome addition to iOS 16. But it isn’t publicly available, and Apple is currently testing the new feature for bugs and flaws. As of now, Apple has rolled out two updates for the RSR feature, including iOS Security Response 16.2 (a) and (b). Both updates didn’t fix any bugs and were only sent out as test updates.