With the development of iOS 14.5 for developers and beta testers, new features are being unearthed, with one in particular that can extend the longevity of older iPhones.
According to findings by 9to5Mac, iOS 14.5 includes options to enable regular updates and security updates separately. The implication of this is that older iPhones can possibly get updated security codes without having to install more expensive firmware as well.
iPhones tend to have a certain lifespan before Apple stops releasing update software – for example, the current iOS 14 can support phones like the iPhone 6s of 2015. But due to advances in computer performance, it’s not always worth it for developers to get the latest version of iOS working on older phones. Not only does it require a significant build of features to ensure that things run smoothly on old-fashioned hardware, but the average iPhone owner upgrades to a new device every four years.
By separating security updates from firmware, it is then possible for older phones to get the latest protection without buying a new phone. This concept is also not entirely new to Apple. On laptops, older versions of macOS allow users to choose between more common updates and security software.
According to the code found in iOS 14.5, users may need to uninstall previous security software updates before installing new ones. If this is true, it will definitely be more troublesome for owners of older iPhones. But it’s still better than not having complete security updates.
IOS 14.5 is still in public beta at the moment. This means that while the official public launch is near, there is still a bit of ironing out what Apple’s software engineers need to do. For those with an extra iPhone lying around, downloading the iOS 14.5 beta is a great way to test the new features safely.
The new features include that you can unlock your phone with Face ID while wearing a mask and an Apple Watch. The Find My app also enables users to use Apple’s upcoming AirTags. We expect iOS 14.5 to be fully unveiled sometime this spring.