Can I install iOS 14.8 on my iPad instead of iOS 15? If so how do I do that? I don’t want all the ‘extras’ in 15, just the security fix. Thanks

No. You can only update to the latest version available for your device.

Apple have announced that, following release of iPadOS15, iPadOS14 will continue to receive security updates independently of iPadOS15.

As such, for users (such as yourself) that do not wish to update their devices from iPadOS14 may continue to benefit from security updates and patches.

Here is one site:

https://9to5mac.com/2021/09/20/not-ready-for-ios-15-heres-how-to-stay-on-ios-14-and-still-receive-security-updates/

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If you’re not ready to install iOS 15 yet, here’s what you need to do to stay on iOS 14:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad
• Go to the General menu
• Tap Software Update
• Tap Automatic Updates
• Disable the options to automatically download and install iOS updates

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Incorrect. Apple allowed you to remain on 14 and still update without getting 15. Only works if your were previously on 14 and not an earlier version, though.

And that was in fact Apple blowing smoke up the collective arse of everyone who believed that Apple really does care about our security. I follow all updates closely and I updated to 14.8 the day it was released. However I have had too many poor experiences and loss of data to immediately update to a major iOS release, so I found some satisfaction when I saw the same notice about Apple continuing to support users on iOS 14.

But then Apple fixed a major vulnerability that came out shortly after the debut of 15, and it was strongly advised that everyone using 15 update ASAP to 15.02. When I read the CVE information it was quite alarming what could be achieved on an iPhone that hadn’t been patched.

So foolishly I waited a couple days expecting Apple to release the equivalent patch to fix this vulnerability - which exists for users on iOS 14 and per Apples own security page, HAS BEEN SEEN BEING EXPLOITED IN THE WILD - meaning it’s known, it’s being used, it’s therefore even more of a threat, and if you want a good synopsis of this just check out the October 2021 security blog posts at Malwarebytes, but still we have no update to 14.8. Like, apparently those security updates we were promised have been forgotten - probably to focus on some new feature that no one asked for and that likely will introduce even more bugs and bloat to a device that I feel I can no longer even trust.

I made this known to the Apple Support 800 number here in the US, supposedly was in contact with actual technicians, and they told me all they could do was file my call as a complaint and then maybe it might get looked at, and my other option was to go to the suggestions page and write something there. So much for support. If you have a problem with your iPhone - like the actual security of it, you might as well be trying to get ahold of an operator at Google or Facebook. Cuz it’s the same thing, no ones listening. Except maybe the people who might have hacked your phone because of the lack of an update.

Where did you hear/see that?