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Understanding iOS Updates and What They Include
Apple releases iOS updates throughout the year to improve how your iPhone or iPad works. These updates are the software that runs your device — think of it like the operating system on a computer. When Apple sends out a new iOS version, it contains changes that affect everything from how apps function to how your device handles security.
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Each iOS update includes several types of improvements. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers could potentially use to access your personal information. Performance improvements make your device run faster or use less battery power. New features add capabilities you didn't have before, like new camera modes, updated Siri functions, or changes to how notifications work. Bug fixes address problems users reported, such as apps crashing unexpectedly or Wi-Fi disconnecting too often.
Apple typically releases major iOS updates once per year, usually in September or October. These major versions have names like iOS 17 or iOS 18. Between major releases, Apple sends smaller updates called point releases — these are numbered like iOS 17.1, 17.2, and so on. Point releases usually focus on security fixes and smaller improvements rather than brand new features.
The size of iOS updates varies widely. A major iOS version update can be several gigabytes and take significant time to install. Point release updates are usually much smaller, often between 100 megabytes and a few hundred megabytes. This matters because larger updates require more storage space on your device and more time to install.
Practical Takeaway: Before updating, understand that iOS updates come in two types — major yearly updates with new features, and smaller point releases focused on security and fixes. Check your device's available storage space before installing any update, as you'll need enough free space for the update file.
How to Find Information About Available Updates
Your iPhone or iPad regularly checks Apple's servers to see if new iOS versions are available for your specific device. You don't need to search the internet or visit websites to find out what updates exist — your device handles this automatically. However, you can view information about available updates whenever you want.
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To view update information on your device, go to Settings, then select General, then Software Update. Your device will show what version of iOS you currently have installed and whether any updates are available. If an update is available, you'll see the version number and the file size. You may also see a brief description of what the update includes.
Apple also publishes detailed release notes for every iOS update on their official website. These notes explain the new features, security fixes, and resolved issues included in each version. You can read these notes before deciding to install an update. The notes are written in plain language and typically organized by category, so you can quickly find information about the features or fixes that matter to you.
Different iPhone and iPad models may receive different updates. Older devices may not support the newest iOS versions. For example, an iPhone 6s may stop receiving major iOS updates after a certain point, though it may continue to get security updates for longer. You can check whether your specific device supports a particular iOS version by looking at the device compatibility information in Apple's release notes.
Apple's official website (apple.com) maintains a security updates page that lists what each iOS update fixes. This page is particularly useful if you want to understand the security improvements in a specific update. The page shows CVE numbers (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), which are official identifiers for security issues that have been fixed.
Practical Takeaway: Check your device's current iOS version and available updates through Settings > General > Software Update. Read Apple's official release notes on apple.com to understand what each update includes before you install it. Don't rely on third-party websites for update information, as they may not be current or accurate.
What Information Should Be in a Reliable Update Guide
A reliable guide about iOS updates should explain the basics of how updates work, what you need to do before updating, and what to expect during the update process. It should describe different types of updates and why Apple releases them. Good guides also explain how to find official information from Apple and how to understand what's included in each update.
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Reliable guides typically include information about device compatibility. They explain that not all devices support all iOS versions. For instance, an iPhone XR can update to iOS 17, but an iPhone 6 cannot. This information matters because it helps you understand whether your device can receive a particular update you've heard about.
A trustworthy guide should explain the practical steps involved in updating your device, such as how much storage space you need, how long the update typically takes, and what your device will do during the installation. It should mention that your device may restart several times during installation and that you shouldn't turn it off during this process.
Good guides also cover what to do if an update fails or if you experience problems after updating. They may suggest basic troubleshooting steps like restarting your device, checking your internet connection, or freeing up storage space. However, they should make clear that for technical problems, contacting Apple Support is the appropriate next step.
A reliable guide should clearly state what information it does and does not provide. It should not claim to help you with government benefits, tax issues, or anything beyond informational content about iOS updates themselves. It should not imply that following the guide will result in any particular outcome or that it can help you "get" something beyond information.
Practical Takeaway: When reading any guide about iOS updates, verify that the information comes from Apple's official sources or reputable technology publications. The guide should explain what your device is and what it will do, not make promises about outcomes. Be skeptical of guides that use urgent language or pressure you to update immediately.
Common Questions About iOS Updates Explained
Many people wonder whether they should update their iOS immediately when a new version releases. The answer depends on your situation. Security updates are generally worth installing promptly because they fix vulnerabilities that could affect your privacy and data. However, you don't need to update within hours of release — waiting a few days allows Apple time to address any unexpected problems that users discover.
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A frequent question is whether updates slow down older devices. This is partly a misconception. Updates may feel slower on very old devices because the device has limited processing power and storage space. However, updates don't intentionally make devices slower. In fact, many updates improve performance. If an older device feels slow after an update, it's often because the device is running low on storage space or has many apps running in the background.
People often ask whether they can refuse to update their iOS. You can delay updates, but iOS will periodically remind you that an update is available. You cannot permanently prevent updates on most devices — Apple designs iOS to prioritize security by encouraging regular updates. However, you can choose when to install updates rather than installing them immediately when your device notifies you.
Another common question is about battery drain after updates. Sometimes updates cause temporary battery drain while the device reorganizes files and indexes data. This typically stops after a day or two. If battery drain continues, it may indicate that a particular app is misbehaving after the update, or that your battery itself is degrading.
People wonder whether updates use significant data on cellular plans. Major iOS updates are large files that typically require a Wi-Fi connection for installation — your device won't allow installing a major update over cellular data. Point release updates are smaller and may be able to install over cellular, but you can choose to wait and install over Wi-Fi instead. Your Settings menu shows file sizes for pending updates.
A practical question many ask is how long updates take. Major updates typically take 15 to 30 minutes to install, though this varies based on your device speed and how much data it needs to process. Point releases usually take 5 to 15 minutes. The process involves downloading, verifying, and installing the update, then your device restarting several times.
Practical Takeaway: Security updates are important to install, but you can wait a few days before installing them. Major updates take 15 to 30 minutes and require Wi-Fi. If your device seems slow after an update, check your available storage space rather than assuming the update caused the slowness.
Preparing Your Device for an iOS Update
Before installing any iOS update, you should prepare your device to ensure the process goes smoothly. The most important preparation is checking your available storage space. Your device needs free space to download the update file, verify it, and install it. Generally, you should have at least 5 to 10
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.