Home Apple halts iOS 18 development for quality improvements

Apple halts iOS 18 development for quality improvements

In a move underscoring its commitment to software excellence, Apple’s head of software engineering, Craig Federighi, recently put a temporary halt on the development of the company’s next major software updates, including iOS 18, as per Bloomberg reporting. This rare decision was driven by the need to address quality issues in the initial versions of the software.

iOS 18 is particularly significant for Apple as it strives to match Google and OpenAI in terms of generative AI. With no major advancements expected to the iPhone 16’s hardware, Apple is relying on its software to attract new users.

Strategic development break

This careful approach led to the pause in development work on iOS 18, as well as other operating systems such as iPadOS 18 and macOS 15. Engineers were given a week solely dedicated to debugging and enhancing performance, a strategy not employed since 2019 when Apple revamped its development processes due to bugs and feature delays in new iPhone launches.

Last month, Apple completed the first internal versions of iOS 18 and macOS 15, a critical stage in their development. This stage, known as M1, typically precedes the shift to the next development milestone, M2. The debugging break delayed the commencement of M2 development but gained an extra week for resolving bugs.

Impact on release schedule

The one-week pause is unlikely to significantly delay the final release of the software. At most, it might reduce the time for eliminating end-stage glitches. However, it demonstrates Apple’s dedication to upholding high-quality standards as set by Federighi’s policy, The Pact, which emphasizes immediate resolution of any regression caused by new features.

Apple’s 2024 software updates are shaping up to be more ambitious, with senior management touting them as “ambitious and compelling.” These updates will likely bring significant new features and designs, alongside improvements in security and performance.

Ensuring reliability and performance

For Apple, the true appreciation of these innovative features will hinge on their flawless functionality. This pause reflects Apple’s focus on ensuring that its software is as robust and reliable as the new capabilities introduced.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Maxwell Nelson
Tech Journalist

Maxwell Nelson, a seasoned journalist and content strategist, has contributed to industry-leading platforms, weaving complex narratives into insightful articles that resonate with a broad readership.

Get the biggest iGaming headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Gambling News

    Explore the latest in online gambling with our curated updates. We cut through the noise to deliver concise, relevant insights, keeping you informed about the ever-changing world of iGaming and its most important trends.

    In-Depth Strategy Guides

    Elevate your game with tailored strategies for sports betting, table games, slots, and poker. Learn how to maximize bonuses, refine your tactics, and boost your chances to beat the house.

    Unbiased Expert Reviews

    Honest and transparent reviews of sportsbooks, casinos and poker rooms crafted through industry expertise and in-depth analysis. Delve into intricacies, get the best bonus deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guides.