Apple Pauses Development of iOS 18, macOS 15 to Fix Bugs in Current Software Updates

Apple employees assigned to prioritize fixing existing flaws in iOS 17 and watchOS 10, rather than adding new features, amidst complaints of bugs missed in internal testing.

Apple has temporarily paused work on new software developments including iOS 18 and macOS 15 in order to prioritize fixing bugs in existing software, following complaints about missed flaws in internal testing.
The pause in development is reported to impact all next year's software updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and future versions of visionOS, the system for Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset.
This unusual step highlights a shift in Apple's priorities from adding new features to ensuring software quality and resolving existing issues within their operating systems.
Although a timeline for next year’s software updates has not been stated, they typically don't come out until the end of the year. Apple has already finished updating devices for 2023 and is working on iOS 17.4, expected to launch in March 2024.
Apple has emphasized quality over new features or quick releases in the past. This current pause interestingly comes in light of recent software bugs found in iOS 17 and watchOS 10, as reported by users.
While Apple's shift in focus might cause a delay in the upcoming years' updates, the exact impact on the rollout of OS updates and new product launches is yet to be seen.

South China Morning Post