Apple stopped adding new features in order to fix fundamental software bugs in iPhones and macOS.

According to SCMP , the notice was sent internally to employees last week, aiming to improve quality control processes after numerous bugs arose in the initial software versions. Instead of adding new features, Apple engineers were tasked with fixing vulnerabilities and improving the performance of the existing software.

ab73077e 6c13 46fc bf54 3a0632887bfd 6868ff6b.jpeg — Apple engineers have been instructed to focus on fixing bugs in next year's software updates for iPhones and Macs.

Apple's software is renowned for its clean interface, user-friendly controls, and focus on privacy, which is one of the company's biggest strengths. In recent years, the iPhone giant has placed greater emphasis on a smooth software experience, even if it means delaying the launch of new features.

In 2018, Chief Software Engineer Craig Federighi halted the release of several iPhone features due to concerns about software bugs. In 2019, he reviewed Apple's software development process in an effort to prevent bugs from occurring.

Accordingly, each new feature will be manually enabled through a "feature flag" process (allowing changes to how the application works without modifying the code). This is coupled with a "Pact" process to quickly fix bugs without having to revert to the initial steps.

However, the company's latest software development cycle did not go smoothly. The software engineering management team, while reviewing the new operating systems scheduled for release in 2024, found too many "escape bugs," a term referring to errors overlooked during internal testing. As a result, all new feature development was temporarily halted to focus on fixing these bugs.

According to SCMP sources, this is an unavoidable issue, as Apple must maintain the seamless operation of thousands of different programmers working on numerous separate operating systems and devices.

The new iPhone and iPad operating systems, which will become iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, are internally codenamed “Crystal”. Mac software, macOS 15, is called “Glow”. Meanwhile, the next Apple Watch operating system, watchOS 11, is named “Moonstone”.

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