As spotted by Xcode 13 beta by Brendan Shanks, ahead of the major iOS 15 expected to release this fall, Apple is working on iOS 14.8 but why?
Spotted in Xcode 13 beta 4:
iOS 14.8 on the way? pic.twitter.com/X771UEiNF8— Brendan Shanks (@realmrpippy) August 6, 2021
Is it an indication that iOS 15 will be delayed? Is the company trying to patch most known vulnerabilities before releasing iOS 15? Or the company is silently trying to push Child Safety tools.
The answer to these questions is unclear, but it seems like something is cooking. With that being said, let us see why iOS 14.8 is gaining attention and why Apple is frequently releasing minor updates.
But before that a brief overview of what makes Apple existent.
Read more – iOS 15 Vs iOS 14 – Is The Update Worth It?
What makes Apple quintessential?
iPhones! Released in 2007, because of which the entire industry exists, run on a custom system software called iOS. iPhones’ cameras are great, security and privacy are dominant. Since the time they were launched, the devices have been unbeatable.
But as time is passing, it seems due to bugs and security vulnerabilities, the iPhone is losing its hold from the market.
Background iOS 14
Released on September 16, iOS 14 is Apple’s major iOS upgrade. With a revamped look and additional features, this update made news headlines. But as the issues with iOS 14 started to unravel, it was clear iOS is missing the spark.
Read More: Best Ways to Fix Battery Issues on iOS 14.6
iOS 14 updates released so far (from latest to oldest)
iOS 14.7.1 released for the public on July 26th fixes the bug that prevents iPhone with Touch ID from unlocking via Apple Watch. In addition to this, Apple also fixed the memory corruption issue.
iOS 14.7 released for the public on July 19th adds several new features like – merging two Apple Cards, MagSafe Battery Pack Support, Air Quality information, Homepod timer management, and more.
iOS 14.5 is another significant update that added AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness+, asking users permission before tracking their activity across the web and apps. Alongside, it also gives users the option to choose a preferred streaming music service and shows fraudulent website warning messages.
iOS 14 supports PlayStation 5 DualSense, Xbox Series X controllers, and asking Siri to call emergency services.
With that said, why can’t Apple fix all things at once? Why release so many updates?
What do you think is the reason behind this? Is it some marketing tactic to keep iOS users glued or what?
Do share your opinion in the comments section below.
Also Read: Apple’s Upcoming iOS 14.5 – Highlights and Features
What makes iOS 14.8 unique?
For Apple users and the company releasing eight major point updates ahead of the major iOS update (iOS 15) is an unprecedented move. Previously, the company would cap mobile operating systems at seven points at most. But by releasing iOS 14.8, the company is changing how it handles major iOS updates.
As said at the Worldwide Developers Conference (June 2021), Apple instead of pushing users to the major upgrade (iOS 15) will allow users to make a choice.
OS 11 stopped at iOS 11.4, iOS 12 stopped at iOS 12.5, and iOS 13 stopped at iOS 13.7.
The company says…
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.
Most importantly, after updating to iOS 15 Apple will continue to provide security updates for iOS 14.
Why is Apple letting people forgo the iOS 15 upgrade?
From being an epitome of privacy to the scariest company, Apple proudly claims the next version will have surveillance spyware, turning their own privacy mantra upside down. Now, in the name of child’s safety the company intends to scan user’s photos and block accounts with such accounts. Certainly, this has reduced privacy but what can we do?
For some, this may be Apple’s way of not leaving those who are unable to update their devices (due to restrictions implemented by work organizations and schools).
But I think it is Apple’s way of telling people that they can opt-out of the Child Safety feature that will be added in iOS 15.
When does Apple plan to release iOS 15?
If Apple sticks to its pattern iOS 15 is expected to come out in the second week of September this year. This means we might see iOS 15 being rolled out as early as September 15.
However, if Apple postpones the event or doesn’t launch the new OS a day after the event, iOS 15 might come by the end of September.
But before that, it seems we will see the never-released eighth version of the update i.e. iOS 14.8.
Should you wait for iOS 15?
If you don’t like the idea of updating to iOS 14.8, you can jump to iOS 15 before release as Apple’s free public beta is already out. At this point, it is quite stable, but we won’t recommend installing it on your primary device.
With all that said, heard, reported it seems Apple is losing. Also, the major upgrades are not rigorously tested like the previous ones. So far, for iOS 14 several updates have been released yet bugs remain. This is a sign of inefficiency and now trusting Apple for iOS is becoming difficult.
I think if not all some might agree with me. Those of you who agree, or don’t I would like to know what you disapprove of and approve of. Please leave your answers in the comments section. About the release date of iOS 14.8, there is no announcement made. But based on what Xcode revealed, the company is surely working on it. As soon as it is out we will let you know what all it brings for you. Also, then we might have a clear idea about why iOS 14.8 before iOS 15. Stay tuned and bookmark this page for updates.
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