There appears to be a dark pattern occurring where the Tahoe update is selected by default and you need to uncheck it to just install the security update.
These techniques used to be exclusive to spyware distributors.
This suggests someone forgot to update the "ⓘ" text. Not a dark pattern.
You have to think about UX for 99%, not just for HNers who might know what a 15.7.3 is.
Not if we aren’t talking about security updates. In this case the previous version of iOS also has the same security updates so ‘updating’ to a new version is completely up to the user, with no difference in security posture either way. Tricking users into updating for what are in the tech company’s opinion ‘new features’ is by definition a dark pattern.
"Want to upgrade to 15.7.3 or 26.2?" is just a nonstarter.
Kinda feels like crying wolf and watering down the term to invoke "dark pattern" for platform software upgrades.
Weird hill for you to die on given that dark patterns have been specifically legislated for in many jurisdictions and have a clear definition.
Nothing stops Apple from advertising both at the same level.