Today marks the release of Apple’s latest operating systems: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia, accompanied by a suite of updates for Apple’s ecosystem. While these new versions introduce cutting-edge features and foundational updates for future enhancements, including Apple Intelligence, not everyone may be eager to jump into the latest software with a version number ending in “0.”
For users who prioritize stability and prefer to wait for post-launch bug fixes, Apple is also providing security updates for older operating systems. The company has released iOS 17.7, iPadOS 17.7, and macOS 14.7, along with a security update for macOS 13 Ventura from 2022. Safari 18, which supports both macOS 13 and 14, is expected to be available soon, though it has not yet been released at the time of this writing.
Historically, Apple has been diligent in offering security updates for its older macOS versions for about two years after the introduction of a new version. In contrast, iOS and iPadOS users faced a cut-off from updates with the release of each new major version until Apple shifted its policy in 2021. Now, the company continues to provide security-only updates for older iOS and iPadOS versions to address concerns about potential bugs in new releases.
Users with older iPads that cannot run iPadOS 18 will still receive security updates for a limited time, typically one to two years. For instance, Apple recently issued updates for iOS 16 as of August, maintaining security for older devices like the iPhone 8 and first-generation iPad Pro, despite their inability to support the latest operating systems.
This approach allows users to stay secure without immediately embracing new features, catering to those who value reliability over the latest advancements.
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