While iPhone users eagerly await the next major update in line for their devices, Apple has surprised its consumers by releasing a ‘secret’ update for a select group. The technology giant had already planned to roll out the iOS 26.3 patch in about three weeks. However, the company has now issued a security update, titled iOS 26.3 (a), before its next big release, taking all technology commentators by surprise.
Apple rolled out ‘secret’ security update for iPhone users
According to a briefing shared by MacRumors analyst Aaron Perris, Apple has introduced a surprise Background Security Improvement feature for iPhones, just weeks before its plan to release the iOS 26.3 update.
While sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), Perris posted some screenshots of the notifications confirming the deployment of the said patch on his iPhone. He also revealed the group of iPhone users who would have received the iOS 26.3 (a) update, writing, “Apple has released iOS 26.3 (a) for developers and public beta testers. macOS 26.3 (a) has been released as well.”
Going by Perris’ statement, iPhone models from Apple’s 11 range, right up to the 17 Pro variants, that are running developer and public betas, would have received the iOS 26.3 (a) patch. Considering the compatibility criteria, millions of iPhone users should have witnessed the addition of the Background Security Improvement feature in their devices.
As per Apple, consumers who wish to check if their iPhones can upgrade to iOS 26.3 (a) can do so by opening the Settings, proceeding to the Privacy & Security category, and finally choosing the Background Security Improvements option. Moreover, they must turn on the “Automatically Install” option.
The Background Security Improvements feature came into being with the introduction of the iOS 26.1 update, which effectively replaced iOS 16’s Rapid Security Response system. The said update helps deal with compatibility issues in a smoother fashion, as one can temporarily remove the feature from the Settings app and restore it in a subsequent software update.
Although iOS 26.3 (a) currently appears to be only a test update, it could serve as an indication that Apple plans to revamp its software update process.
