Apple Releases Background Security Improvement Update for macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1

[MacRumors]

Apple today released the first Background Security Improvement (BSI) update, replacing the rapid security updates that it used to seed out a few years ago. The first BSI updates address a WebKit vulnerability that could allow maliciously crafted web content to bypass Same Origin Policy. There's a macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1 BSI update, as well as a macOS Tahoe 26.3.2 BSI update exclusive to the MacBook Neo.

Apple says that the vulnerability was addressed with improved input validation.

Background Security Improvements were added with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, and Apple tested them in iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.3 before today's official release.

The updates are meant to provide additional security protections between software updates for Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries. Background Security Improvements can be installed in the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app. Scroll down, and then select the Install option to install the update. If Automatically Install is toggled on, BSIs will be automatically installed when they come out.

Users who opt not to install Background Security Improvements will receive the fixes in a subsequent standard software update.

Apple warns that Background Security Updates can result in "rare instances of compatibility issues." Should that occur, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in another software update.

Article Link: Apple Releases Background Security Improvement Update for macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1

 

[jz0309]

Security updates are a good thing

 

[Astuces iOS]

I'm on macOS 26.3.2, what do I do?

 

[VineRider]

26.3.2 gets it as well

Background Security Improvements by date - Apple Support

This page lists Background Security Improvements and patched components.

support.apple.com

 

[t0rqx]

I'm on macOS 26.3.2, what do I do?

That could be the compatibility issue they talkin about. Easily fixed when buying the newest device.

 

[B4U]

Apple warns that Background Security Updates can result in "rare instances of compatibility issues." Should that occur, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in another software update.

Sounds like we are being beta testers for them? 🤔
It sure sounds like more and more companies are pushing their V&V out to have their customers perform the work.

 

[ifxf]

It shows as “26.3.1 (a)” to me.

 

[matsan]

Madness not having this under normal software updates but instead hidden deep under Privacy & Security

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I have Automatically Install on, but still found it "Available", and clicked Install manually...

Downloading now. 🙂

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

How do you know it’s installed

Edit

Doesn’t matter realised I am on 26.4

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Wow, it needed a restart:



But it was very quick. 🙂

 

[NoBoMac]

On my iPhone needed to have it plugged in to install. Kept getting generic "can't do it, try later" message with no details why.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

What is the difference between Background Security Improvements and Rapid Security Updates?

Was it just a rebranding?

Did they break Facebook again? (IIRC that was an issue the one and only time they used the Rapid Security Update feature...)

 

[AppleWes]

On my iPhone needed to have it plugged in to install. Kept getting generic "can't do it, try later" message with no details why.

Does it install like other iOS updates? (restart with Apple logo and progress bar)

 

[NoBoMac]

Does it install like other iOS updates? (restart with Apple logo and progress bar)

Yes it did.

 

[Artemiz]

On my iPhone needed to have it plugged in to install. Kept getting generic "can't do it, try later" message with no details why.

Phone needs to be plugged in if it’s at 50% or less for the updates to be installed. Probably what happened?

 

[BaggieBoy]

Does it install like other iOS updates? (restart with Apple logo and progress bar)

It restarted but I did't see a progress bar.

 

[tywebb13]

builds

iOS 26.3.1 (a) (23D771330a)
iPadOS 26.3.1 (a) (23D771330a)
macOS 26.3.2 (a) (25D771400a)
macOS 26.3.1 (a) (25D771280a)

 

[Aves]

I'm not getting it, neither OTA or through iTunes.

iPhone 17 Pro

 

[Gator5000e]

I got nothing. Still on 26.3.1 and says I am up to date. Hmmm.

 

[Lionel_Hutz]

Hopefully we see a public beta of 26.3.1 (b) soon.

 

[Taruga]

I'm not getting it, neither OTA or through iTunes.

iPhone 17 Pro

Look for "Privacy & Security" on System Settings, then "Background Security Improvements"

 

[Gator5000e]

OK. The article says:

Background Security Improvements can be installed in the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app. Scroll down, and then select the Install option to install the update. If Automatically Install is toggled on, BSIs will be automatically installed when they come out.

In Privacy and Security auto install is on but it didn't install. I did find 26.3.1(a) there however and it wwas available to install. Kind of strange you need to go to P&S to get the update.

 

[Aves]

Look for "Privacy & Security" on System Settings, then "Background Security Improvements"

thank you!

On an iPhone 16 it popped up in software updates under settings, so I assumed I had to look there ^^

 

[NoBoMac]

Phone needs to be plugged in if it’s at 50% or less for the updates to be installed. Probably what happened?

Nope. Was about 62%. But the 50% thing did cross my mind, hence plugged it in even if not at %50.