Did Apple silently remove the option to stay on iOS 14?

Question

I noticed that the Software Updates page has changed recently (probably within the last week or so).Previously, it would say iOS 14.8.1 is the latest and there are no updates available, with a banner near the bottom to upgrade to iOS 15.As of now, all that is gone. It has been replaced with a page to update to iOS 15.1 as if it was a regular update.So my question is, is Apple planning to remove the option to stay on iOS 14 or are they simply trying to drive up the adoption rate of iOS 15?

aserdf · Accepted Answer

yes - but also for those who weren't on 14.8. have a phone on 14.4 and it is now stuck with its only option being to update to ios15. so now this device is vulnerable to active exploits.

and if you do go to 15, you are forced to accept feature functionality in order to get security as well.

so much for the false text here:

  - Or continue on iOS 14 and still get important security updates.

https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-15/features/