With iOS 14.5 being released to developers and beta testers, new features are being discovered, with one in particular that can extend the longevity of older iPhones.
According to 9to5Mac’s findings, iOS 14.5 includes options to switch between regular updates and security updates separately. The implication here is that older iPhones could potentially obtain updated security code without having to install computationally more expensive firmware.
IPhones tend to have a certain lifespan before Apple stops releasing update software – the current iOS 14 can support phones as old as the 2015 iPhone 6s, for example. But due to advances in computational performance, trying to get the latest version of iOS running on older phones isn’t always worthwhile for developers. Not only would it require a significant reduction in resources to ensure that things run smoothly on legacy hardware, but the average iPhone owner updates to a new device every four years.
By separating security updates from firmware, it is possible for older phones to continue to get the latest protection without having to buy a new phone. This concept is also not entirely new for Apple. On laptops, older versions of macOS allow users to choose between more general updates and security software.
According to the code found in iOS 14.5, users may need to delete previous security software updates before installing new ones. If true, it would definitely be more complicated for older iPhone owners. But it is still better than not having security updates at all.
At the moment, iOS 14.5 is still in public beta. This means that while the official public launch is near, there are still some adjustments that need to be made by Apple’s software engineers. For those with an extra iPhone available, downloading the iOS 14.5 beta would be a good way to test the new features safely.
New features include the ability to unlock your phone with facial ID while wearing a mask and an Apple Watch. The Find My app will also allow users to use Apple’s upcoming AirTags. We expect iOS 14.5 to become fully public this spring.