About Background Security Improvements for iOS, iPadOS and macOS

Background Security Improvements delivers additional security protections between software updates.

Background Security Improvements delivers lightweight security releases for components such as the Safari browser, WebKit framework stack and other system libraries that benefit from smaller, ongoing security patches between software updates.

In rare instances of compatibility issues, Background Security Improvements may be temporarily removed and then enhanced in a subsequent software update.

Background Security Improvements is supported and enabled for future releases starting with iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS 26.1. General information will be published on the Apple Support site after each release — along with CVE details, if any.

View Background Security Improvements in Settings

Settings for Background Security Improvements can be found in the Privacy and Security menu.

• On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Privacy & Security.

• On Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Privacy & Security.

Go to Background Security Improvements and make sure “Automatically Install” is turned on.

If you choose to turn off this setting, your device will not receive these improvements until theyʼre included in a subsequent software update.