March 23, 2026, 9:11 a.m. ET
Apple has released a new security protection for its devices to work in the background between major software updates.
Apple users may have already noticed the first Background Security Improvements on the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Operating on a device constantly, rather than just during a software update, the improvements provide “lightweight security releases” for Safari, system libraries and WebKit framework stack, which includes Apple’s Mail and App Store apps, according to the Apple Support website.
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 deliver new security releases between software updates on compatible iPhones, iPads and Macs.
The first Background Security Improvement was released on March 17 and affected Webkit, which includes Apple’s Safari, Mail and App Store apps. The update targeted a “cross-origin issue in the Navigation API,” according to the Apple Support website. An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules that allows different software to exchange data with each other.
What devices support Background Security Improvements?
Background Security Improvements are supported by iPhones with iOS 26.1, iPads with iPadOS 26.1 and Macs with macOS 26.1, according to the Apple Support website.
Can you turn off Background Security Improvements?
Yes, users can turn off Background Security Improvements in a device’s settings.
How to view Background Security Improvements in Settings
Here’s how to check Background Security Improvements on the iPhone, iPad and Mac:
- iPhone and iPad: Go to the Settings app, tap Privacy & Security, then tap Background Security Improvements.
- Mac: From the Apple menu, select System Settings, then click Privacy & Security.
Background Security Improvements will be set to automatically install by default. If a user decides to turn this off, the device will not receive background improvements until the next software update, according to the Apple Support website.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
