Apple will continue to update iOS 14 even after iOS 15 is released

Enrique, 08 June 2021

Apple’s announcement of iOS 15 brought a new change that’s officially reflected on Apple’s software update pages. As MacRumors reports, the current iOS 14 will now let you choose whether you want to upgrade to iOS 15 as soon as its released or stick around on iOS 14 while still receiving critical security patches.

iOS now offers a choice between two software update versions in the Settings app. You can update to the latest version of iOS 15 as soon as it’s released for the latest features and most complete set of security updates. Or continue on iOS 14 and still get important security updates until you’re ready to upgrade to the next major version.

Apple does iterate that the most recent firmware will have the “most complete set of security updates” while the previous release will “still get important security updates”.

Historically, Apple has been adamant about iOS updates in the past, quickly disallowing iOS devices to downgrade to a recent update. This made sure that devices stayed with more recent firmware and discouraged downgrading to older software.

This new change gives customers time to update if they have device restrictions or requirements of iOS devices that are managed by an organization like enterprises and schools.

The first iOS 15 developer builds are now available for downloading to a test device. Apple expects to release the public beta sometime in July with the public release expected in the fall.

Via

Reader comments

Anonymous
11 Jun 2021
70d

You just explained my point. Yes, Apple releases new models every year so people who want to change their phones can do so every year, and that is their primary source of revenue. If Apple doesn't release new models every year, some people may o...

AnonD-1003038
10 Jun 2021
M}3

That's not how things work. There are always people in between who are on lookout for new device and they want to buy the latest and greatest for that year. And for that reason you still release new models yearly. It's same with cars. They ...

Anonymous
10 Jun 2021
70d

Not sure what point you're trying to make. If that's the primary source of revenue, Apple won't need to release new models yearly. They can release new models every 5 years or so. Apple releases new models every year because they want ...