Apple announced iOS 15 at WWDC 2021 yesterday, the software is coming later this year with the new iPhone 13 smartphones.
Normally when Apple releases a new version of iOS, you will need to update to that version to get the latest security updates, things will be different with iOS 15.
When iOS 15 is released, Apple will give you the choice to upgrade to the software, or stay on iOS 14 and still receive security updates.
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.
Enhanced Flexibility for Users
This new approach by Apple could be a game-changer for many users. In the past, users were often compelled to upgrade to the latest iOS version to ensure their devices remained secure. This sometimes led to issues, especially for those who preferred the stability of their current iOS version or had older devices that might not handle the new updates as efficiently. By allowing users to stay on iOS 14 while still receiving critical security updates, Apple is providing a more flexible and user-friendly approach.
For instance, businesses that rely on specific apps that may not yet be optimized for iOS 15 can continue to operate smoothly without compromising on security. Similarly, individual users who are wary of potential bugs in the new release can wait until they feel confident that iOS 15 is stable and reliable.
Impact on iOS Adoption Rates
It will be interesting to see how this affects the adoption of the next major release of iOS. Historically, Apple has seen rapid adoption rates for new iOS versions, partly because users had no choice but to upgrade to receive security updates. With this new option, the adoption rate for iOS 15 might be slower initially, as users take their time to transition.
However, this could also lead to a more satisfied user base. Users who upgrade to iOS 15 will do so because they genuinely want the new features and improvements, not because they feel forced to for security reasons. This could result in more positive feedback and a smoother transition overall.
Moreover, this strategy might encourage developers to ensure their apps are fully compatible with both iOS 14 and iOS 15, leading to a more seamless experience for users regardless of which version they choose to use.
New Features in iOS 15
While the choice to stay on iOS 14 is a significant change, iOS 15 itself brings a host of new features and improvements. These include enhanced FaceTime capabilities, a redesigned notification system, and new privacy features. FaceTime, for example, will now support spatial audio and voice isolation, making calls sound more natural and reducing background noise. The new Focus mode allows users to customize their notification preferences based on their current activity, whether they are working, sleeping, or relaxing.
Additionally, iOS 15 introduces new privacy measures, such as Mail Privacy Protection, which hides your IP address and prevents senders from knowing when you open an email. The App Privacy Report provides an overview of how apps are using your data, giving users more control over their privacy.
This could be a useful feature as you could upgrade to the next version when you want and not be forced to update to get the security updates. It will be interesting to see how this affects adoption of the next major release of iOS.
Source MacRumors
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