Apple iOS 14.8.1: Apple rolls out iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 updates with security fixes – Times of India

Earlier this year, Apple announced that iPhone users will have a choice to either update to iOS 15 or stay on iOS 14. However, sticking to iOS14 did not mean these users will not be eligible for security updates. Apple has released iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 updates with security fixes for those iPhone and iPad users who are still running the last year’s operating system.
The update rollout comes a day after the release of iOS 15.1.
iOS 14.8.1 comes as a surprise release. It was not beta tested either. The update addresses a number of vulnerabilities and fixed bugs related to the audio, ColorSync, Continuity Camera, CoreGraphics, GPU Drivers, IOMobileFrameBuffer, Kernel, Sidecar, Status Bar, Voice Control, and WebKit. Apple’s release notes for the update says it “provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.”
Users can update their iPhone by heading to the Settings app, tapping on General and then choosing Software Update. Alongside the iOS 14.8.1 update, Apple is also rolling out iPadOS 14.8.1 for iPad users as well.

As mentioned before, Apple made it optional for iPhone and iPad users to upgrade to iOS15. “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”, Apple said then.