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Should I update my iPhone to the latest version of iOS?

Not everyone needs to download the latest iOS update on their iPhone as soon as Apple makes it available.
Archie Burkinshaw author headshot
Written by Archie Burkinshaw, Content Editor
Updated on 31 October 2024
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Updating your iphone guide - border

Apple released its big iOS 17 update on the 18th of September, 2023, with a series of smaller updates released over the following months. The smaller updates will have somewhat confusing names – at the time of writing the latest update is 17.4.1.

Not all updates will be required for your iPhone, some are specific for MacBooks, iPads, etc. And just because it's been released, does that mean you should install it on your phone?

Should you update your iPhone?

1. To improve performance

It is common for iPhones with outdated software to slow down over time. While this is not the number one cause of slowdown, it should be considered as a factor.

The cause of the slowdown is linked to your apps having to adapt to the new technical standards of the major update. This means some of them won’t work as intended on older software versions and will cause your devices to lag.

Even though you may not notice it because you’ve been using your phone all along, you will notice the difference after installing the update. Your iPhone will resume working efficiently at top speed.

2. To fix bugs

A bug affecting your device can happen randomly and be very frustrating. What causes a bug is an error that messes with the functioning of a program or causes it to crash. Examples of bugs that can affect your iPhone include: 

  • WiFi not connecting 

  • Cellular connection not working 

  • iPhone getting stuck at the iPhone logo

  • Freezing/crashing randomly

A lot of these common user issues are usually solved by bug fixes in software updates. So, by updating your iPhone, you solve and prevent these frustrating issues.

3. To improve security

There’s a reason you never have to install antivirus software on your iPhone, and that’s because most vulnerabilities are taken care of by your iPhone’s security features.

However, hackers will always try new and smarter ways to hack iPhones. Software updates come with updated security improvements based on the vulnerabilities found in the previous version. So, installing the latest software that has no susceptibilities is the best way to keep your privacy, identity, and financial information safe.

4. New features

With every major iPhone software update comes new and exciting features. You might feel like you don’t need your phone to do anything new, but it’s more than likely that there’s a feature you currently rely on that was rolled out in a previous update.

Compare iPhone deals

Check out all of our latest iPhone deals on offer from range of mobile networks.

iOS 18 review

The all-important iOS 18 will run Apple's soon-to-launch AI features. Even before the new and flashy AI functionality drops, iOS 18 sports a number of features that could change the way you use your iPhone.

Customised home and lock screen

Apple finally joins other operating systems in offering a great level of home and lock screen customization. Your icons no longer need to sit in rows but can instead be placed anywhere on your screen. You can add new controls to the control gallery and lock screen, resize icons and widgets, and even add coloured tints to your icons that match your wallpaper.

Improved photos app

When you update to iOS18, the layout of your iPhone’s Photos app will change. You’ll see a tab at the bottom of your library that lets you sort images by year, month, or all. Your photos will also be sorted into categories and specialised collections that will appear towards the bottom of your page. You’ll see panels such as Albums, People & Pets, Pinned Collections and more.

Advanced calculator

Though it still looks very much the same, your iPhone calculator can now work as a scientific calculator as well as a converter app for measurements and currencies. These new calculator options can also be used in the Maths Notes app for a more workbook approach.

Common iPhone software update issues and solutions:

Insufficient storage:

Before updating your iPhone, it's crucial to ensure you have adequate storage space available. Officially you’ll need just under 16GB of free space to install iOS18, but maybe aim to have around 20GB if you can.

If your storage is lacking, you'll receive a message prompting you to temporarily remove apps. You can proceed by allowing apps to be automatically reinstalled after the update or manually delete content from your device.

Low battery:

To successfully update your iPhone, it needs to have a minimum of 50% battery charge or be connected to a power source. Charge your phone in advance to avoid this issue. If you struggle to reach 50% charge, or your iPhone's Battery Health is consistently poor, consider replacing the battery rather than upgrading your device.

Should I update to iOS 18?

While updating your iPhone may seem inconvenient, it's a necessary step to ensure optimal performance, privacy, and security. Neglecting updates can lead to a sluggish phone and potential security risks, making the brief inconvenience of updating well worth the effort.

‌iOS 18 is only compatible with the ‌iPhone‌ XS and newer models, meaning that support has been dropped for the ‌iPhone‌ 8, ‌iPhone‌ 8 Plus, and ‌iPhone‌ X. If you want to upgrade your iPhone to a model compatible with iOS 18 check out our iPhone deals page.


Compare iPhone deals

Check out all of our latest iPhone deals on offer from range of mobile networks.

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