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

The latest version of iOS is available to download now. But in the wake of Apple’s admission that it uses software updates to deliberately slow down older iPhones, many users are thinking twice about downloading it.

So what are the pros and cons to updating your iPhone? Will the latest version of iOS destroy your phone’s battery? And what can you do about it if it does? Read on and we’ll answer all your frequently asked questions about updating your iPhone.

Will my apps still work if I don’t do the update?

As a rule of thumb, your iPhone and your main apps should still work fine, even if you don’t do the update. If you do find your apps slowing, though, try upgrading to the latest version of iOS to see if that sorts the problem.

Conversely, updating your iPhone to the latest iOS could cause your apps to stop working. If that happens, you might have to update your apps too. You’ll be able to check this in Settings.

Should I update my iPhone straight away?

If a new update is ready, there’s no need to rush to download it. In fact, while getting your hands on any shiny new features iOS has to offer seems tempting, it can sometimes pay to hold fire.

Many early adopters find that they experience bugs and other issues when they first download the latest software update. And Apple will often roll out subsequent updates that include fixes to the bugs in the previous software upgrade.

To be on the safe side, it's generally a good idea to wait and see how other users are finding the software before you decide to upgrade.

Can I go back to an older version of iOS if the new update slows down my iPhone?

Unfortunately, not at the moment. But there is talk of Apple providing a way for its customers to revert to an older version of iOS. So there may be a way back in the future for users harking back to the good old days of iOS 10.

For now though, if you have done the update and are now finding that your battery can barely make it through a five-minute phone call without giving up, try the iPhone battery replacement programme.