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Apple Says Option to Stay on iOS 14 Was Always Meant to Be Temporary

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Last week, MacRumors shared news that Apple had stopped releasing iOS 14 security updates and was pushing those still on iOS 14 to upgrade to iOS 15, an apparent reversal of a promise to allow users to stay on the iOS 14 operating system.

iOS-14-vs-15-feature.jpg

Apple today told Ars Technica that the option to stay on iOS 14 and avoid the iOS 15 upgrade was always meant to be temporary. It is not a mistake that there are no more security updates to iOS 14, and support for the update has essentially ended.

When iOS 15 was released, Apple's feature page said that the company would provide a choice "between two software update versions" in the Settings app, and that it would offer security updates for iOS 14 until people were prepared to upgrade.
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.
Click to expand...
When iOS 15 was released and this information was published, Apple did not make it clear that this was a temporary option, but the company in September 2021 did publish an updated support document that mentioned the option to stay on iOS 14 would be available "for a period of time."
If you're using iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later, you might now see the option to choose between two software update versions. This option allows you to choose between updating to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS 15 as soon as it's released, or continuing on iOS or iPadOS 14 while still getting important security updates for a period of time.
Click to expand...

Apple's last iOS 14 security update, iOS 14.8.1, was released in October and there have been and will be no subsequent updates. In fact, as we outlined last week, on an iPhone running iOS 14.8, the iOS 14.8.1 update is no longer available at all. iOS 15.2.1 is the only update option for all iPhones running iOS 14.

Though Apple said users could wait until they're ready to upgrade, the company now appears to be expecting people to install the iOS 15 update. iPhone and iPad users who want the latest security updates and protections will need to install the newest versions of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

iOS 15 is available on all of the devices that are able to run iOS 14, and removing the iOS 14 upgrade option will spur people still on iOS 14 to finally install the new software. Apple last week released iOS 15 installation numbers, and it turns out that it hasn't been as popular as prior iOS updates.

The iOS 15 update is installed on just 72 percent of devices from the last four years, which is a notably lower adoption rate than we've seen with prior versions of iOS, so it is perhaps no surprise that Apple is ending its "temporary" support for iOS 14.

Article Link: Apple Says Option to Stay on iOS 14 Was Always Meant to Be Temporary
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/01/19/ios-14-option-temporary-apple/
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KaliYoni

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Feb 19, 2016
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I'm surprised Apple didn't toss out a "green" explanation for changing its support policy for iOS 14. Maybe next time (Most earth friendly iPhone ever! We've eliminated the product box. Visit the Apple Store to choose your new iPhone from a sustainably sourced wooden barrel!).
 
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goonie4life9

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Jun 16, 2010
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I don’t doubt that Apple meant this to be temporary. However, it sure would be nice if they could just be honest and say, “We used a poor choice of words when describing the ability to remain on iOS 14 and caused unnecessary confusion. This was our fault and we apologize.”
 
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DHagan4755

DHagan4755

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Seems like a rather tricky situation. But it makes me wonder if having these yearly upgrades is worth all of this hassle. From a marketing perspective, it's Apple's way to build on the brand. On the other hand, from a user's perspective it's becoming quite a headache. There's that classic line from Ferris Beuller's Day Off, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Average users who aren't as into technology as us are just annoyed with all of the updates & upgrades. "Oh, we're on iOS 15 now?" I hear the frustration about the constant updates all of the time.
 
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dave420

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Jun 15, 2010
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I never saw the option to stay on iOS 14 on my iPhone 7. I had previously upgraded my iPhone XR to iOS 15 and have been very disappointed. Audio with my AirPods constantly stutters when I multitask. As soon as I switch applications from the app playing the video the audio goes in and out. I never had this problem prior to iOS 15.
 
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erikkfi

erikkfi

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May 19, 2017
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Of course it was meant to be temporary - no one thinks Apple was going to keep iOS 14 available forever.

The confusion comes from the fact that they used user-centric language like "until you're ready to upgrade," but now they've decided they are ready to move on.
 
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DeepIn2U

DeepIn2U

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redheeler said:
Could've at least provided security updates for a year. That would've been reasonable.
Click to expand...

Nah ... "until you're ready to upgrade to the next major version" leaves a definitive impression iOS 14 can stay as LONG as the user prefers. until YOU'RE ready means Apple shouldn't push ANY iOS 14 user to upgrade. Notify them that's cool, but not push.

Since like 1996 I've noticed software (especially) and a lot of tech hardware no longer understands nor respects the 'USER' (think of Tron).

Splash screens forced in the users' face upon every launch - unnecessary.
Software not written nor serviced with the end User as a primary focus (unless its sifting data from the end users' actions or data).
 
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Bokito

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This ones again proves Apple doesn’t communicate about it’s software and that’s big headache for the user base. They had the change to say this when they announced the feature and they had the chance to put the word out when they pulled iOS 14.8.1. But only when there is massive outrage Apple communicates. That’s pretty bad.
 
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Bokito

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dominiongamma said:
Why should Apple worry and patch up holes because people refuse to update? They should put their resources to the current version not one they aren’t on anymore
Click to expand...
Because people for a variety of reasons can’t or won’t upgrade. Some smaller older applications may not work and people need to find replacements and there is the whole CSAM thing. Other things are stability and performance concerns, just to name a few.
 
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Octavius8

Octavius8

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Safer Safari on ios 14 vs ios 15 with buggy Safari... At least support security updates for the previous
OS for 2 years should be mandatory. You don't see Microsoft of Linux killing their OS in 1 year just to make users change their devices as Apple. I work on a big SW company and it is veeeery expensive to maintain old software versions, but maintain just security aspects for 1 or 2 years is an attitude issue from Apple, not really a cost issue.
Apple "new" OS every year is a phalacy and not sustainable. Same OS with changes to some apps and adding or removing some API mostly. Security updates must be mandatory by law
 
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macintoshmac

macintoshmac

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dominiongamma said:
Why should Apple worry and patch up holes because people refuse to update? They should put their resources to the current version not one they aren’t on anymore
Click to expand...

Updating is and was always supposed to be a choice. Also, let me say again - what is so wrong with people staying on whichever version they want to stay on?

(I never said "worry and patch up holes" even though Apple does (but is not necessitated to) provide updates for several versions back. Even iOS 12 did receive something a while ago.)
 
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Octavius8

Octavius8

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Oct 25, 2016
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How does this compares to a Pixel device, for example?. Shame on Apple!!!!5 years is also temporary.
From Google page:

When you'll get Pixel updates

Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro phones will get Pixel updates for at least 5 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US. Pixel updates include Pixel security updates, and may also include feature drops and other software updates.
 
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