Apple releases major updates to its operating systems in the fall season. The new features are what most people think of in regard to when they’ll install the upgrade, but perhaps it’s time to make security a higher priority during that consideration.
That’s because those major OS upgrades are what Apple prioritizes when implementing security patches. This is a support document Apple postedOn Monday (via Ars TechnicaApple stated that only the most up-to-date OS versions have the most current security patches. “Because of dependency on architecture and system changes to any current version of macOS (for example, macOS 13),” Apple writes, “not all known security issues are addressed in previous versions (for example, macOS 12).”
Apple does provide security patches for older OSes–it released iOS 15.7.1, macOS Big Sur 11.7.1 and macOS Monterey 12.6.1It was soon released iOS 16.1 macOS Ventura 13This was earlier in the week. However, these patches will only be applied to critical vulnerabilities Apple has identified. The less-critical updates will be made available only to current OS users.
Upgrade vs update
Apple’s support document also provides clarification on the terminology the company uses for its OS patches. The company uses the following terms:
Upgrade: This is the major fall release. It’s usually denoted by a whole number change in the version number. The new iOS 16 is an update to iOS 15. An upgrade to macOS will include a name change. Apple released macOS Ventura, an update to macOS Monterey, last Monday.
Apple emphasizes the new features in upgrades, while security patches are included. The new features in the upgrades are often previewed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in the late spring or early summer. Every once in a while, Apple decides an upgrade will mostly have security patches and bug fixes, and a few new features, but it’s been a while since that happened.
An upgrade is often a large download and takes several minutes. It also requires a restart of your device.
Apple released iPadOS 15.7.1 updates a few days after it had released iPadOS 16.1.
Foundry
Update: These are OS updates that often occur after major fall releases. These OS releases are labeled using incremental version numbers. Apple released iOS 16.1 on Monday. This update was originally released in September.
Updates are often focused on security patches and fixing software bugs. However, they can also include features that are new to the system. This includes, iOS 16.1 allows you to use iCloud Shared Photos Library and many other features.
What if you rely on an older OS?
There are a lot of valid reasons why you need to run an OS that’s not the current version. You have an older device and don’t have enough storage space, you have third-party software you depend on that won’t run in the new OS, or maybe (as we’ve heard from many readers) you simply don’t like how the new OS is implemented.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to install updates when Apple releases them. Apple will still update them in the most critical cases, even though they may appear less often after a new OS is released.
Keep an eye out for browser upgrades. There are many vulnerabilities in the internet. Therefore, it is important that your browser is updated regularly to ensure you have a safe browsing experience. Safari updates are often part of OS updates, but if you use Google Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, you’ll need to check with those developers separately.
