About Background Security Improvements for iOS, iPadOS and macOS
Background Security Improvements deliver additional security protections between software updates.
Background Security Improvements deliver 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 are supported and enabled for future releases starting with iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS 26.1. We publish information about Background Security Improvements by date, along with components patched and CVE details, if applicable.
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, then tap Privacy & Security.
On Mac: from Apple menu , choose 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 they’re included in a subsequent software update.
If a Background Security Improvement has been applied, and you choose to remove it, your device will revert to the baseline software update (for example, iOS 26.3) with no Background Security Improvements applied.