PS5 security update 14.22 lands ahead of GTA 6

Sony has released another PS5 security update. Version 26.07-14.22.00 arrived on November 2 with notes listing only security fixes, just 11 days after 14.20. It is the latest move to stay ahead of jailbreakers before GTA 6 launches.

IGN reports the update is a 1.267 GB download. Sony's PS5 system software page carries a single line for it: "We've made some security fixes to the system software." Players will see the prompt the next time their console checks for updates.

Why is the PS5 security update cycle so fast?

The PlayStation homebrew scene has been busy. According to IGN, a jailbreak supporting every PS5 on firmware 7.00 to 13.60 surfaced in late September. At that point it covered any PS5, PS5 Pro included, that had not been updated in the previous week.

A jailbroken PS5 can be modified, which can open the door to piracy. Some games then began requiring firmware 14.00 to download updates, which pushed homebrew developers to target newer versions.

The result is a cycle. Hackers find a hole, Sony patches it, and the search starts again. 14.10, 14.20 and now 14.22 all sit inside that loop.

Recent PS5 system software versions

Sony's official patch notes for the last four updates read as follows:

Notably, 14.20's notes did not mention security at all, yet IGN says it was widely seen as a response to the jailbreak news. 14.22 is openly labelled as a security release.

What does it have to do with GTA 6?

GTA 6 launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. IGN says there is concern that a jailbreak for whichever firmware GTA 6 requires could let the game be pirated on PS5, and perhaps even end up on PC.

One prominent homebrew developer recently showed evidence of a 14.10 jailbreak, but follow-up comments suggested dumping game executables was not possible. Some believe GTA 6 will need at least 14.20, or now 14.22. That is speculation; neither Sony nor Rockstar has confirmed a requirement.

IGN adds that Sony may push further security updates before November 19. It also recalls the uproar after a hacker privately reported an exploit to Sony and collected a $50,000 reward instead of sharing it with the community.

What should PS5 owners do?

For most players the takeaway is simple: expect frequent system updates over the next few weeks. Keeping your console current before the expected GTA 6 preload on November 12 should help avoid a last-minute download on launch night. You can update from the System Software section of the PS5 Settings menu.

The last feature update was 14.00, which turned on enhanced PSSR by default on PS5 Pro, added a speaker indicator for voice chat and brought a Community Activity widget to the Welcome hub. Two of the three updates since then have been security-focused.

These patches do not change game performance or add features. They only close security holes, so there is nothing new to try in 14.22.

For more on Rockstar's launch, see how much space it needs in our GTA 6 file size report and read about the GTA 6 map size.

Frequently asked questions

What does PS5 update 14.22 do?

Sony's official notes for version 26.07-14.22.00 list only security fixes to the system software. It adds no new features. IGN reports a 1.267 GB download.

Do I need to update my PS5 for GTA 6?

Neither Sony nor Rockstar has said which firmware GTA 6 requires. Claims that it needs 14.20 or 14.22 are speculation. New PS5 games usually expect recent system software, so staying up to date is the safe choice.

Why does Sony keep patching the PS5?

Homebrew developers have released jailbreaks for older firmware, which can allow console modification and piracy. Sony is closing those holes with frequent security updates.

Sources

• PlayStation: PS5 system software update notes
• IGN: Sony issues yet another PS5 firmware update
• Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto VI