We weren’t expecting it, but it makes some sense. Apple has released iOS 14.8 and iPadOS 14.8, two updates that focus on applying security patches to both versions of the operating systems. We are probably facing the latest updates before the imminent arrival of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
What may be has also appeared the latest macOS Big Sur update, 11.6, equally focused on security patches. watchOS 7.6.2 closes the batch of new versions. Apparently Apple has resolved a vulnerability that allowed hidden code to be executed in a purposely created PDF or web page with malicious intent.
Preparing iOS 14 to coexist with iOS 15
It has been two months since we have seen stable iOS updates after version 14.7, and we are so close to the launch of iOS 15 that we no longer had them. For those who do not want to update immediately to iOS 15, these security patches will add extended protection to iOS 14. Remember that, for the first time in history, Apple will offer users to stay on iOS 14 even with iOS 15 on the street.
We are facing two stable versions and not of betas, so that I recommend that everyone install them in order to be protected against the most recent security vulnerabilities that have been discovered. You can let the devices update themselves automatically, or by doing it manually through the Settings app (on iOS or iPadOS) or from System Preferences (on macOS).