[shantara]

The explanation doesn't make much sense here, as the patches exist, they are simply being made available only for the subset of devices. Some of the listed vulnerabilities aren't even in the OS itself, but in the apps like Books, Mail and Messages.

[sillywalk]

I agree with you, and with the OP title, Apple is withholding updates in this (and other cases).

The little blurb I quoted is sort of an excuse for some other updates.

[shantara]

I am not blaming you or the Ars article for Apple's stance on this issue. Just feeling a little frustrated about the whole situation.