Apple will focus on fixing phone and computer issues before releasing new updates, the report says
Updated November 7, 2023 1:45 PM EST
Topline
Apple developers are pausing work on next year’s software updates for their devices to focus more on fixing existing bugs and addressing the root cause of problems, according to a report from Bloomberg.
Key facts
Bloomberg reported that the decision – which is intended to maintain quality control after early versions of updates showed “a proliferation of bugs” – was announced internally last week.
According to Bloomberg, the pause in software development applies to the next round of updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and future versions of visionOS, the operating system for Apple’s highly anticipated Vision Pro headset.
The company’s engineers were reportedly asked to focus on fixing existing bugs, rather than adding new features, which has traditionally been the focus of Apple’s software updates.
According to Bloomberg, too many “breakouts,” or bugs missed in testing, have made their way into new operating systems scheduled for next year, leading to the decision to pause development and work on improvements.
Forbes has contacted Apple for confirmation of the report and comment.
Important background
This isn’t the first time Apple has prioritized quality over new features or quick releases. Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi has revamped the company’s software development process in recent years with the goal of reducing the number of bugs coming in. And while Federighi’s lawsuit has largely helped, Apple is still facing challenges with its recent rollout of software updates. Last month, Apple had to roll out a software update to address the overheating of iPhone 15s and iOS17. Apple said that shortly after the release of the new device and operating system, it “identified a few conditions that could be causing the iPhone to run hotter than expected” and released the update that addresses the heat issues and provides “important bug fixes(d) and security updates.”
What to pay attention to
Apple typically releases its annual software updates for iPhones and Macs in September after previewing them in June, Bloomberg reported. With the usual release for next year’s update still months away, it’s unclear whether the change in focus will delay next year’s update.
Tangent
Last week, a judicial tribunal in London ruled that Apple must file a lawsuit accusing it of restricting iPhones from software updates as a way to hide defective batteries. Apple denies the claims, a spokesperson said Forbes the company would “never do anything to intentionally shorten the lifespan of products.”
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