Apple recently released iOS 17.2, a major update for iPhones that introduces several new features and enhancements. As with any iOS update, users may be wondering if they should install it right away or wait.
Let’s find out what’s new in iOS 17.2, its performance and stability, reasons to install or wait, and final recommendations.
What’s New in iOS 17.2
Here are some of the most notable new features and changes in iOS 17.2:
Journal App
The star addition in iOS 17.2 is the new Journal app for logging personal thoughts, events, photos, locations, and more. It uses on-device intelligence to provide prompts and suggestions to kickstart journal entries. Everything is stored securely and privately on your iPhone.
Enhanced Cameras
The iPhone 15 Pro models gain the ability to natively capture spatial or 3D video using the main and ultra wide cameras. This footage is meant to be viewed with the upcoming Apple Vision VR headset.
Telephoto lens focusing is also faster on the iPhone 15 Pro, taking less time to lock focus and capture images.
More Notification Sounds
iOS 17.2 allows changing the default notification sound across the system or on a per-app basis. There are several new sounds to choose from beyond the classic tri-tone.
Translate Action
The Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro models gains a new Translate action to quickly translate text, voice recordings, screenshots and more.
Apple Music Favorites
There’s now a Favorites playlist in Apple Music to easily access your most played songs.
iOS 17.2 Performance and Stability
In the first 24 hours since release, iOS 17.2 appears to be quite stable with no major bugs or issues reported. Performance is smooth, apps are working fine, battery life seems unaffected, and the new features like Journal and Translate are functional.
The update process is straightforward for most users as well. Those updating from iOS 17.1.2 can install quickly within 10-15 minutes. The download size is around 1.5GB.
Of course, since millions of people are updating, a small percentage may face installation problems or potential bugs. But so far iOS 17.2 looks solid.
Reasons to Install iOS 17.2 Now
Here are some benefits of updating to iOS 17.2 right away:
- Get access to all the new features like Journal, enhanced cameras, notification sounds, and more
- Take advantage of bug fixes and optimizations from previous iOS 17 updates
- Keep your iPhone secure as iOS 17.2 patches multiple vulnerabilities
- Ensure compatibility with upcoming iOS 17 updates which build on this version
- Enjoy improved performance and stability based on initial user reports
Updating now means you get to experience all the new goodies in iOS 17.2 before everyone else!
Reasons to Wait Before Installing
Here are some valid reasons to hold off on installing iOS 17.2:
- Wait for more feedback from other users to ensure no major bugs appear after a few days
- Confirm the update works smoothly with your must-have apps and accessories
- Finish time-sensitive work in progress to avoid disruptions during installation
- Keep phone running perfectly if you have no issues with current version
- Still evaluating new features to decide if they are useful for you
- Have limited storage and don’t want to free up 3-6GB of space
As more people install iOS 17.2 in the coming days, we’ll learn about any potential teething problems. Delaying the update reduces immediate risk.
Should You Install iOS 17.2? Final Recommendations
Based on all the information we have so far about iOS 17.2, here are my recommendations on if and when you should install:
Install Now
Install iOS 17.2 immediately if:
- You’re comfortable troubleshooting any minor issues
- You find the new features useful and want them ASAP
- You prioritize timely security updates
Be sure to backup your iPhone before installing.
Wait a Few Days
Wait 2-3 days before updating if:
- You rely heavily on your iPhone for critical tasks
- You have an accessory/app you need to confirm iOS 17.2 compatibility with
- You have an iPhone 11 series or older device
Monitoring feedback for a few days allows problems, if any, to surface so you can avoid them.
Wait 1-2 Weeks
Hold off 1-2 weeks if:
- You have an iPhone XR or iPhone XS device
- You are risk-averse and only install updates after major bugs are fixed
- You need the storage space for something else right now
By then, we’ll know if any regressions slipped through testing that you may want to avoid.
Don’t Update Yet if Jailbroken
Do not update if:
- You have an iPhone running iOS 16.1.2 or older that is currently jailbroken
Since iOS 17.2 patches security flaws, you risk losing your jailbreak by updating. Exercise caution.