Apple splitting security updates is more exciting than it sounds

Earlier this year, Apple had to push a software update at a breathtaking speed to protect iPhone users from active vulnerabilities. Until now, iOS users have had to wait for the next version update to get bug patches. But that’s about to change.

Last night, with iOS 15, the company announced that it’s separating security updates from software updates. Here’s what the firm says:

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.

This is a good thing. You might not be jumping to the next software upgrade because you might not have enough storage, or you don’t want to burden your old iOS device.

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However, security updates are important and you shouldn’t have to wait for the next version update to get them.

For years, Android has tried to make security updates separate from its version updates. Google issues monthly security updates to patch up bugs in the  Android platform. Plus, it tries to issue system updates through the Play Store to protect your device from malware.