Last week we reported that Apple had apparently stopped releasing security updates for iOS 14. Now the company has commented on the matter.
Apple explained told Ars Technica today that the option to stay on iOS 14 and avoid upgrading to iOS 15 was always meant to be temporary. It's not a mistake, it's no longer getting security updates for iOS 14 and support for the version has essentially ended. When iOS 15 was released, Apple's features page said the company would offer a choice between "two software update versions" in the Settings app and that there would be security updates on iOS 14 until people were ready to upgrade.
iOS 14.8.1 is no longer available
You can update to the latest version of iOS 15 as soon as it's released to get the latest features and most comprehensive security updates. Or you can stay on iOS 14 and continue to receive important security updates until you're ready to upgrade to the next major version.
Apple did not clarify at the time that this was a temporary option. The last security update for iOS 14, iOS 14.8.1, was released in October. There have been no further security updates since then.
If you want more security, you have to switch to iOS 15
As we last week explained , the iOS 14.8.1 update is no longer available at all for iPhones running iOS 14.8. iOS 15.2.1 is the only update option for all iPhones running iOS 14. Although Apple has said users can wait to upgrade until they are ready, the company now seems to expect users to install the iOS 15 update. So iPhone and iPad users who want to take advantage of the latest security updates and protections will need to install the latest versions of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. iOS 15 is available on all devices running iOS 14. Removing the iOS 14 upgrade option will encourage those still using iOS 14 to finally install the new software. (Photo by nikkimeel / Bigstockphoto)
