Not sure what you mean? In what way is the update 'forced'? It's not being silently installed, it's not like existing apps will suddenly stop working if it isn't applied.

This is only "forced" when you look at it from Facebook's perspective, as it'll directly impact their app, they don't control the OS version of their users. But they specifically used the loaded phrase "Forced update" to trigger an emotional response from the reader. Paints Apple as a malicious antagonist.

Not technically forced since it's not mandatory that update, but not updating is not a viable strategy for most users. If you want new OS features or security patches, or apps that rely on those features, or if you buy a new device, then you don't have an option. Eventually everyone will have this update.

So the article is "correct", but not really in a useful way.

OTOH, this is more a natural side effect of how software development works than any malicious intent on Apple's part. Letting users opt into specific OS patches would be a maintaince / security nightmare.

In what sense are iOS updates ‘forced’? It’s a single binary slider in prefs - auto update/don’t.

Bundling non-security changes in with security updates is 'forcing'.

Lovely phone you have there, be a shame if it got hacked.

And then you get constantly badgered by notifications and your apps start shutting down because they need a new version of iOS and up-to-date version of app to run.

It's not just about the slider.

App developers are making the decision to prioritize newer iOS versions because Apple has been successful at supporting older devices and making updates seamless...

...and suddenly that's a bad thing, despite the security and support advantages.

Apple can't win.

Then

1. Don't use the offending developer's apps 2. Ignore the notifications

It really is that simple