iOS 15 is coming, but Apple still seems to be planning an iOS 14.8 update

According to code discovered in Xcode, Apple appears to be planning to release at least one more update to its iOS 14 operating system before the launch of iOS 15. All of the released iOS 14 versions are mentioned in Xcode, along with iOS 14.8, suggesting that the new update could be arriving in the near future, either before or alongside iOS 15.

When a new version of iOS is released in late summer or early fall, Apple usually stops working on previous iOS updates and instead only provides critical security updates, so it is unusual to get the 14.8 update at this time.

In fact, Apple has never released an update beyond .8 for its iOS operating system. iOS 11 stopped at iOS 11.4, iOS 12 stopped at iOS 12.5, and iOS 13 stopped at iOS 13.7.

This year’s release schedule may be different as Apple plans to offer users a choice between iOS 14 and iOS 15. Apple will allow iPhone and iPad users to continue using iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 even after the new iOS and iPadOS 15 updates are launched.

Now, iOS provides two software update versions in the Settings app. Users can update to the latest version immediately after the release of iOS 15 to get the latest features and the most complete security updates. Or continue to use iOS 14 and still get important security updates until you are ready to upgrade to the next major version.

While this may be targeted at those who are unable to update their devices right away due to restrictions or requirements imposed by work and school, it will also be important for those who are reluctant to upgrade to iOS 15 after Apple recently announced its album-scanning-based child safety features.

It is not yet clear what the iOS 14.8 update will include. Given Apple's focus on iOS 15, it may focus on bug fixes, performance improvements, and other optimizations rather than bringing new features.