Apple Won't Make You Upgrade to iOS 15 and Will Continue to Provide Security Updates for iOS 14

Apple plans to allow iPhone and iPad users to remain on iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 even after the launch of the iOS and iPadOS 15 updates, according to new details on the software pages for the new updates.

iOS 14 on iPhone feature emergency

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.

With prior updates, Apple has prompted users to update right away and has stopped signing past versions of iOS to make it impossible to downgrade, but it sounds like Apple is planning to relax that policy going forward.

This will be useful for those who are not able to update their devices because of device restrictions or requirements implemented by work organizations or schools.

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

New MacBook Pros Could Now Arrive in March

Sunday February 8, 2026 6:02 am PST by
New MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could arrive as soon as Monday, March 2, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In today's "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the release of new MacBook Pro models is tied to the release of macOS Tahoe 26.3. The launch is said to be slated for as early as the week of March 2. He added that the M4 Pro and M4 Max models on sale today...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...

Top Rated Comments

LFC2020 Avatar
61 months ago
That’s because even apple know iOS 15 is basically iOS 14. ?‍♂️???
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JohnApples Avatar
61 months ago
This is the perfect solution for those who are worried about bogging down their older devices- having the choice is something this forum has been requesting for years.

And still getting security updates makes it a win-win.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tivoboy Avatar
61 months ago
Probably means it won’t work WELL on iPhone 7 or 8 or possibly X
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
61 months ago
Thank god. I will not let my mother update for Safari alone ? she will call me asking who deleted the internet cuz she can’t search for any sites anymore (too used to the look and feel of an address bar on top)
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JPack Avatar
61 months ago
Probably because of those 32GB devices.

Look what happened with Watch S3 and watchOS 7.5.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lemon Olive Avatar
61 months ago
Wonder what legal issue is forcing them to do this.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)