Apple Releases iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 With Security Updates - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 With Security Updates

by

Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 14.8.1, minor updates to the iOS and iPadOS 14 operating systems. iOS and iPadOS 14.8.1 come more than a month after the release of iOS and iPadOS 14.8, another security fix update.

iOS 14 on iPhone feature emergency
The iOS and iPadOS 14.8.1 updates can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

iOS and iPadOS 14.8.1 introduce multiple security updates and the software is recommended for all iPhone and iPad users who are continuing to run iOS 14. According to Apple's security support document, the update addresses a number of vulnerabilities with Sidecar, WebKit, Voice Control, the Status Bar, and more.

Most of these vulnerabilities do not appear to have been used in the wild, and Apple says that just an IOMobileFrameBuffer may have been actively exploited. This issue could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

Apple made upgrading to iOS 15 optional, and has allowed people to remain on iOS 14 if they so desire. Apple is continuing to release iOS 14 updates as a result, but these updates will be focused on security fixes and will not be introducing new features. New features will be limited to updates to iOS 15, the newest version of iOS.

Related Forum: iOS 14

Popular Stories

Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

Tuesday May 26, 2026 6:32 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...
Read Full Article • 52 comments
Apple Watch Blood Glucose Monitoring Feature 2

Apple Watch for Diabetes: The Latest on Apple's Plans for Non-Invasive Blood Sugar Monitoring

Tuesday May 26, 2026 9:30 am PDT by
For many years now, it has been rumored that the Apple Watch will eventually gain non-invasive blood sugar monitoring capabilities, which would enable millions of people with diabetes to track their blood glucose levels without needing to prick their skin with a needle or wear a dedicated continuous glucose monitor. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple recently shifted oversight of...
Read Full Article • 75 comments
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Just Expanded iPhone Driver's License Feature to Arkansas

Wednesday May 27, 2026 9:41 am PDT 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. Starting today, the feature is available in Arkansas, which is the 14th state to offer it. However, it may take some time to roll out to all users. To...
Read Full Article • 47 comments

Top Rated Comments

jonnysods Avatar
jonnysods
60 months ago
Much appreciated! 14 is where I’ll sit from for a while until I see where CSAM goes.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kwokaaron Avatar
kwokaaron
60 months ago
Woohoo! An update for those of us that are "less adventurous" 😂
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bradl Avatar
bradl
60 months ago

Except it didn't, of course.

https://www.apple.com/child-safety/
https://9to5mac.com/2021/09/03/apple-delays-csam-detection-feature/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/03/apple-delay-csam-scanning/
However, the functionality is still there. That is the concern.

BL.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
alexiaa
60 months ago
It's worth noting that this update is only available to people who are on iOS 14.5-14.8. There is no IPSW so you cannot downgrade to it via iTunes/Finder if you're already on iOS 15.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N
NewUsername
60 months ago
No more updates for iOS 12?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
V
verdi1987
60 months ago

Could someone please remind me why Apple made available the option to upgrade to iOS/iPadOS 15 or continue to upgrade 14? (I’m happy they did, but I don’t remember their doing it before.)

Thnx.
They never gave an explanation, but two things come to mind: CSAM and the (now mostly-reverted) UI changes in Safari.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments