Apple hasn't forgotten about some older iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions

Jump to First Reply
Posted:
in iOS edited March 31

At the same time as updating its current operating systems, Apple has issued a few updates for older versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Here's what else got updates on Monday.

Smartphone displaying time and apps hovers above white surface, surrounded by potted plant, orange speaker, and two open hands.
iOS 17 running on an iPhone



On Monday, Apple released its updates for the current-gen operating systems in its ecosystem, including iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4. At the same time, it introduced updates for earlier operating system releases, which can be downloaded and installed by users to older hardware.

While the main focus is on keeping operating systems up to date, Apple does occasionally bring out updates for earlier operating system releases.

The content of these updates tend to include important security updates, performance fixes, compatibility updates, and other small changes. They typically don't introduce new features, but are usually intended to maintain the older operating systems.

Legacy Apple hardware tends to be left behind, unable to use Apple's latest operating system generations. The updates to older versions help ensure security and performance, as well as compatibility, for older Apple products.

Accompanying iOS 18.4's release are two, covering iOS 16.7.11 (build 20H360) and iOS 15.8.4 (build 19H390).

  • iOS 15.8.4 will be installable on the iPhone 6s and Plus, iPhone 7, and Plus, and the second-gen iPhone SE.

  • iOS 16.7.11 is intended for the iPhone 8 and Plus, as well as the iPhone X.



The iPadOS 18.4 update has three older version updates with it: iPadOS 17.7.6 (21H423), iPadOS 16.7.11 (20H360), and iPadOS 15.8.4 (19H390).

  • iPadOS 15.8.4 is for the iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2.

  • iPadOS 16.7.11 is to support the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, the first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and the iPad Gen 5.

  • iPadOS 17.7.6 is intended for the second-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and the iPad 6.



The macOS 15.4 update is flanked by two others: macOS 14.7.5 (23H527) and macOS 13.7.5 (22H527).

The macOS 14.7.5 update supports:

  • 2019 iMac

  • 2017 iMac Pro

  • 2018 MacBook Air

  • 2018 MacBook Pro

  • 2018 Mac mini

  • 2019 Mac Pro

  • Mac Studio



The macOS 13.7.5 update supports:

  • 2017 iMac

  • 2017 iMac Pro

  • 2017 Macbook

  • 2018 MacBook Air

  • 2017 MacBook Pro

  • 2018 Mac mini

  • 2019 Mac Pro

  • Mac Studio



It is usually best practice to upgrade any active hardware to the latest available update, to ensure its security. This includes older hardware getting updates for older software.



Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 5
    My 9.7-inch iPad Pro is stuck on 16.7.4 with no update offered.
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 2 of 5
    M68000m68000 Posts: 950member
    Would like to see my MacBook, which is not able to run current OS, stop telling me updates are available and then open up the update screen and nothing is there.
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 5
    I think it is great that Apple offers security updates to older devices. Very good and helps reshape their ecosystem towards iCloud use and enables families to pass down older devices to others. 
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 5
    cincyteecincytee Posts: 427member
    "Thank you, sir!"
    -- my iPhone SE
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 5
    hexclockhexclock Posts: 1,357member
    M68000 said:
    Would like to see my MacBook, which is not able to run current OS, stop telling me updates are available and then open up the update screen and nothing is there.
    There is a way to do that in Terminal.

    https://umatechnology.org/how-to-turn-off-annoying-macos-software-update-notification-on-your-macbook/
    edited April 1
    M68000watto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
Sign In or Register to comment.