After releasing a major platform update like Android 12, Google typically follows up with new security updates every month. Apple could be considering doing something similar for iOS. The fourth beta of iOS 14.5 includes some changes hidden in the internal code that suggest Apple is considering providing security updates independently of other updates.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple is working on a method to roll out standalone iOS security updates. iOS users should be aware that there is no way to install security updates without updating to the latest version of the operating system and all the other feature changes included with it. Apple, however, is releasing security updates for iOS 12 that run on older iPhones and iPads ,but the newer generation of devices supported by the company do not have the option to run an older version of iOS with the latest security updates.
See also: Apple: Releases updates for iOS 14.5 beta version for developers
This may change in the future as a new section has been added to the iOS software update menu. Apple is expected to offer standalone security updates where users will have the option to choose whether they want to install the entire iOS update or just the security updates. According to new code found in iOS 14.5, when you download an update, for example, the security update alone doesn't change any functionality, so you'll have to delete it before installing a newer available iOS update.
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This isn't the first time Apple has offered separate update packages. It offers separate security updates for Mac users, where devices running an older version of the operating system receive separate security updates. This way, users can access security patches and bug fixes without having to install the latest macOS version.
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One way Apple could implement this in iOS is to continue offering security updates for iOS 14 after the release of iOS 15. Therefore, users would be able to choose not to update to the latest major version, but would still receive important security updates.
Information source: xda-developers.com
