iOS 14.5 beta just revealed a great new feature for older iPhones

iOS 14
iOS 14 (Image credit: Apple)

The latest iOS 14.5 beta has arrived on iPhones, and while not much has changed since previous versions of the software it has seemingly revealed an upcoming feature that's especially useful for older iPhones.

According to code spotted by 9to5Mac, the iOS 14.5 beta includes a new option for downloading future software updates. It gives you the option to download security updates separately from the software updates.

Why does this matter? It may allow you to get the latest security fixes on a device that you don't want to upgrade to the latest software.

Newer software can often struggle on older devices, and you may find that updating your much older iPhone to iOS 14 - or the upcoming iOS 15 - would slow down your handset or impact battery life.

Apple has always offered the choice to not upgrade to the latest software, but previously it wouldn't offer security updates to your iPhone if you weren't running the latest software.

Although this hasn't been confirmed, this settings menu suggests the iOS 14.5 beta will give you an option so you can just install the security updates separately.

More choice

This change may also prove useful for those who like their current software on their smartphone and don't want it to change. It'll allow you to stick to the current look and feel, without missing out on those all important security elements.

Apple offers a similar system on its Mac products where you're able to download the security update separately from the rest of the software.

We've yet to find out when iOS 14.5 will officially land - and when this feature will be fully confirmed - but the public beta of the software is available to download now to your iPhone. 

The new software is expected to bring a whole bunch of new emoji as well as a feature where you can use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone.

James Peckham

James is the Editor-in-Chief at Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.

Read more
An iPhone running iOS 18 on a purple and blue background
iOS 18.4 could launch soon with a major upgrade to your iPhone’s notifications
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 18.4: 5 new features to expect, including Ambient Music and Photos filtering
Apple's Craig Federighi presenting customization options in iOS 18 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
iOS 19: new features, a new design, and everything you need to know
iOS 18
iOS 18: new features, compatible devices, and everything you need to know
Android 16 logo on a phone
Android 16 Beta 3 has arrived – here are the 4 features I think will be the most useful
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 19: the 3 biggest rumors so far, and what I want to see
Latest in iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Pro REVIEW
The iPhone 17 Air looks impressively slim in this new comparison image, but that just makes me more worried about the specs
iPhone 16 Pro Desert Titanium in hand
I think the rumored iPhone 17 Pro redesign looks great – but is it Apple enough?
Apple iPhone 16 Review
New iPhone 17 report lends weight to rumors of major display and camera upgrades, and a pricey Apple foldable
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main display opened
Apple is rumored to be prioritizing battery life on the foldable iPhone – which could also feature a liquid metal hinge for added durability
The home screen on an iPhone 16e smartphone
I think the iPhone 16e is too expensive – and as it turns out, so does nearly everybody else
Latest in News
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound
Google Maps on a phone being held in someone's hand
Google Maps is getting two key upgrades, for easier route planning and quicker access to Gemini AI
URL phishing
HaveIBeenPwned owner suffers phishing attack that stole his Mailchimp mailing list
Gemini on a smartphone.
Gemini 2.5 is now available for Advanced users and it seriously improves Google’s AI reasoning