Before the launch of iOS 15, there was a report that stated Apple was working on the idea of letting iOS 14 users stay on that particular version of the mobile operating system rather than upgrading to the newest version. Apple intended to release security updates for the older OS, and the new features would remain with the new software. But, it was an option, especially for the folks who aren’t fans of upgrading to the newest version of the mobile OS as soon as it launches.
And while Apple never specifically gave a timeline at the time, it appears that plan was always meant to be temporary. Part of the reason can be attributed to overall iOS 15 adoption, as we reported last week. Adoption rates for Apple’s newest mobile operating system aren’t as great as the company might like, and, as a result, the company has apparently stopped sending out security updates for iOS 14.
Instead, Apple is now nudging iOS users to upgrade to iOS 15.
At the time, it felt like Apple was reversing its plans to let folks just stay on iOS 14 for as long as they saw fit. But, as noted above, apparently Apple always saw this as a temporary plan, and not something iOS 14 users should get too comfortable with. And, indeed, that’s what Apple told Ars Technica recently:
Apple told Ars that it always intended the iOS 14 security update option to be temporary. Essentially, people could have a short grace period while Apple worked out the worst of the new operating system’s early bugs, but you would always eventually have to upgrade to stay patched.
At this point, it appears that support for iOS 14 has essentially been ended. Which means folks on that particular version of iOS will need to start genuinely considering upgrading to iOS 15 at their earliest convenience. Not just for the features Apple baked into the newer version of the software, but also to make sure they are up to date with the latest security elements.
Apple’s overall lack of clarity on the situation has led to some confusion, which is understandable. Apple’s official wording regarding the update options wasn’t clear on any temporary planning. It certainly sounded like iOS 14 was going to keep getting updated, at least as long as iOS 15 was the current version of the platform. One would assume that by the time iOS 16 (or whatever Apple calls it), the transition would be similar, with folks able to stay on iOS 15 rather than going up to iOS 16.
But, who knows anymore. It’s possible Apple will offer a similar update plan for its next major upgrade to the mobile OS. Even if it does, though, it stands to reason that will be a temporary plan, too.
What do you think? If you’re still on iOS 14, are you happy about this development? Will you be upgrading to iOS 15, or just wait it out for iOS 16?