Apple has released its inaugural “background security enhancement” update to address a security flaw in its Safari web browser on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

As per a recent security advisory published on Tuesday, Apple indicated that a security researcher found a bug in WebKit, the browser engine that drives Safari and various other applications. If exploited, this bug could permit a malicious site to potentially access data from another website within the same browser session.

Apple clarifies that background security enhancements are “lightweight” software updates that include vital fixes for security vulnerabilities, which the company deploys to users’ devices between larger software updates.

These updates, which were introduced with iPhones, iPads, and Macs operating the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS (ver. 26.1 and above), may encompass fixes for specific software elements, such as Safari, its WebKit engine, and other system libraries that benefit from periodic security updates.

Apple did not specify why it addressed this particular bug, and a representative for Apple did not provide immediate remarks when approached by TechCrunch.

Upon downloading the latest background security update, it necessitated only a quick device restart, instead of the lengthier reboot typically associated with software updates that include more significant fixes.

Before Tuesday’s initial background security enhancement, Apple had released multiple security fixes to software testers to trial the new update feature prior to its rollout.