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problem solved
Apple has released new security protections for devices that run in the background during major software updates.
Apple users may have already noticed the first background security improvements on their iPhones, iPads, and Macs. According to the Apple Support website, the improvements, which run constantly on devices and not just during software updates, provide a “light security release” for Safari, system libraries, and the WebKit framework stack, including Apple’s Mail and App Store apps.
With the new rollout, here’s what we know about Apple’s background security improvements.
What are Apple’s new background security improvements?
Background security improvements provide new security releases during software updates for compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
The first background security improvements were released on March 17 and affected Webkit, which includes Apple’s Safari, Mail, and App Store apps. According to the Apple Support website, this update targeted “cross-origin issues in the Navigation API.” An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that allows different software to exchange data with each other.
What devices support background security improvements?
According to the Apple Support website, Background Security Improvements are supported on iPhones with iOS 26.1, iPads with iPadOS 26.1, and Macs with macOS 26.1.
Can I turn off background security enhancements?
Yes, users can turn off background security improvements in their device settings.
How to check background security improvements in settings
Here’s how to see background security improvements on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- iPhone and iPad: Go to the Settings app, tap “Privacy & Security,” then tap “Improve Background Security.”
- Mac: Choose (System Preferences) from the Apple menu and click (Privacy & Security).
Background security improvements are set to install automatically by default. According to the Apple Support website, if a user turns this off, the device will no longer receive background improvements until the next software update.
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
