The iOS 14.5 beta 4 is out for testing purposes and while there is no direct mention of the new things this update brings, the code change reflects what’s coming. The sleuths over at 9to5Mac were once again able to dig into the code of the latest beta to inspect if there is anything new inside. As it has turned out, the tech publication was able to find an interesting tidbit that might bring a smile to the face of iPhone and iPad users.

According to the results of the code hunting, Apple is supposedly testing the standalone iOS security updates so that the users do not have to wait for and rely on the major OS upgrades. If the change takes an effect, the users with devices running older operating systems can still get the security updates without having to install the newest OS upgrade.

Take, for instance, an older device running iOS 13 will still be viable to receive the latest security updates that are otherwise bundled with newer iOS 14 or above OS upgrades. This is because Apple is planning to feed the security updates separately from OS system updates.

Reportedly, there is now a new section added to the iOS software update menu. Users will be able to choose whether they want to install only the security updates or full iOS updates.

The change in policy could bring a major shift to Apple’s approach of feeding security updates. Apple has never been flexible when it comes to iOS updates. The security updates have always come tied with the latest version of iOS. If you choose to avoid the iOS update, you will be left without security fixes as well. It is good to note that this approach is finally changing. The freedom to install only the latest security patch will save users' data as well.

As 9to5Mac points out, macOS already offers a similar method of updates whereas users with older macOS version can just opt for the latest security update without having to install the latest macOS version.

Well, the reference of Apple’s new policy has been spotted in the latest beta of iOS 14.5. So, we believe the new change will make its way to stable build as well.