iOS 17 running on an iPhone
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.
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.
