Apple releases iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 with important security updates

In late October, Apple released iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 to the public. However, in accordance with its plans to not necessarily push every eligible device owner in the wild to upgrade to the newest available software, the company also released an update for the slightly older versions of the mobile operating systems.

On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Apple released both iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOs 14.8.1 to the public. It’s a relatively minor update in the grand scheme of things. It certainly won’t be adding any of the primary new features available in iOS 15, for instance. Instead, the focus with this new software is primarily security.

Apple recommends downloading and installing iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 on all eligible devices that the owners don’t plan on upgrading to iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1. Apple released a corresponding support document regarding the iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 updates, saying this new software addresses vulnerabilities associated with SideCar, Status Bar, WebKit, and other elements.

iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 are free updates. They can be downloaded via the Settings app, then selecting General –> Software Update and following the onscreen instructions.

Apple released iOS 14.8 and iPadOS 14.8 back in September of this year.