Apple also released iOS 17.7, macOS 14.7, macOS 13.7
With all of the hype about macOS 15 Sequoia and iOS 18 being released, let's not forget that for those who are unable to upgrade or want to give it a bit more time Apple has released updates for their older software.
For Mac, Apple typically continues to release security patches for two years after newer software is released. This is available on any Mac that is still running the older software, so a computer that is capable of running the latest software will still get security patches for two years if you decide not to upgrade.
For iPhone and iPad, Apple does it a little differently. If your device cannot upgrade software you will get security patches for a few years. But for those who can upgrade but choose not to, Apple will continue to release security patches for only two or three months. But at some point soon you will need to upgrade your software if you wish to continue getting security patches.
Today Apple also released:
- macOS Sonoma 14.7
- macOS Ventura 13.7
- iOS 17.7
Upgrading to iOS 17.7 is clear. If you visit Settings > General > Software Update, you are prompted to update to iOS 17.7. If you want to go directly to iOS 18 there is a banner at the bottom of the screen. In a few weeks, Apple might flip those positions to encourage upgrades.
Upgrading to macOS Sonoma 14.7 or Ventura 13.7 is a little less obvious. When you visit the Apple menu > Settings > General > Software Update, Apple makes the upgrade to 15 Sequoia much more obvious. But if you look down just a bit there is a link to click for "More Info" which gives you other options that don't involve the big upgrade.
If you want to upgrade your Mac software from one major version to another but aren't ready for macOS Sequoia (for example, you are running Ventura 13 and want to upgrade to Sonoma 14), you can do that in the App Store. Here are links directly to Ventura and Sonoma.