iOS 14.8.1 & iPadOS 14.8.1 Released with Security Updates
iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 have been released with security updates for iPhone and iPad. Yes, this is a separate release track than iOS 15/iPadOS 15.
The updates are intended for users who are not yet on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 releases, the latest of which is iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1.
In a similar manner, macOS Big Sur 11.6.1 and a security update for MacOS Catalina are both available to users who are not yet interested in downloading macOS Monterey update.
How to Download & Install iOS 14.8.1 on iPhone or iPad
Always backup your iPhone or iPad to iCloud, Finder, or iTunes prior to starting a system software update.
- Open the “Settings” app on iPhone or iPad
- Go to “General”, then select “Software Update”
- Scroll down to ‘Also Available’ below the iOS 15/iPadOS 15 updates
- Choose to “Download and Install” iOS 14.8.1 or iPadOS 14.8.1
Installing software updates require the device to restart.
iOS 14.8.1 IPSW Links
- Updating…
iOS 14.8.1 / iPadOS 14.8.1 Release Notes
Release notes with the download are as follows:
This update includes important security updates and is recommended for all users.
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
Some users are simply haven’t installed iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 yet, while others may be actively avoiding it for various reasons. For example, some users may be attempting to avoid potential trouble as the kinks get worked out in initial releases.
Yes, my iPhone also seemed to only show 15.1, but if you scroll where you wouldn’t expect to scroll, the 14.8.1 option does appear!
(Yes, I also went there and went away, I came back in frustration and saw the slightest hint that there may be something below the 15.1 notice box… didn’t/don’t like OTA updates, but for this one, took the plunge (after soft-reset boot to clean phone…) and it seems to have loaded clean.
My Siri is still tossing in odd other language words during gps directions, but I guess I’ll have to wait for that fix… -.-
My iPad gen 5 currently has ios 14.4.2. The option to update to 14.8.1 is not available. I can only update to 15.1.
The ‘Also Available’ does not display on my ipad.
I don’t want to update to 15.1 yet.
How can I get 14.8.1?
thats my problem on all my devices which got an older ios 14 or ios 13 version… there is no option or download to 14.8.1
Anyone has a solution?
If you have access to iOS 14.8.1 it will appear below the iOS 15.1 download within Settings > General > Software Update
Curiously, Apple has not released IPSW files for iOS 14.8.1 or iPadOS 14.8.1, so if it’s not visible in Software Update there does not appear to be another way to download it (for now).
It’s not clear why this is the case.
I’d like to Update my iPhone to 14.8.1 with the full updater via iTunes, but it only offers 15.1!
Can you please update this article to include the download links to 14.8.1 …Restore.ipsw files.
Thanks! ^.^