Apple is reversing its previous policy that allowed iOS 14 users to stay on that iOS version instead of upgrading to iOS 15. The Cupertino firm is now beginning to push iOS 14 users to upgrade to iOS 15.
When Apple launched iOS 15 in September, Apple announced that it would offer a “choice between two software update versions,” saying it would continue to offer security updates for users that stick with iOS 14.
When iOS 15 first became available, it was a footnote at the bottom of the Software Update interface on devices running iOS 14, and easily avoidable. However, now the iOS 15 update is no longer a footnote at the bottom of the Software Update section on a device running iOS 14. Plus, as reported by MacRumors, Apple has stopped releasing iOS 14 security updates.
iOS 15.2 is apparently the turning point for Apple when it comes to pushing iOS 15. Apple did not include a “remain on iOS 14” option in the iOS 15.2.1 update that came out earlier this week. Users that want the latest security protections must update to iOS 15.
iOS 15 is available on all of the devices that are able to run iOS 14, and removing the option to stay on iOS 14 will likely spur people to upgrade.
iOS 15 is installed on 72% of all iPhones that debuted in the last four years. 26% of devices still use iOS 14, and 2% are running an earlier version of iOS. As far as iPhones released more than four years ago, 63% are running iOS 15, 30% run iOS 14, and 7% run earlier versions of iOS.