With Apple’s launch of the iPhone 15 at the Wonderlust Event on 18th September 2022, excitement is building for the upcoming iOS 17 software update. iOS 17 brings new features like a customizable lock screen, unsend message capability, and an updated Fitness app. But with any major iOS release, questions wander around whether users should upgrade right away or wait.
What should I upgrade to iOS 17?
First things first, we all look forward to install iOS 17 only for one purpose, its new features and improvements. For all the users who simply want to get their hands on new features and improvements should definitely consider upgrading their device to iOS 17. Let us take a look at some of the new features that users can look forward to.
- Voice mail transcriptions – See real-time text of what someone is saying in a voice mail so you can decide whether to answer.
- Enhanced messaging – Edit or unsend recently sent messages, mark conversations as unread, and share content like videos without leaving the Messages app.
- StandBy mode – When charging and placed sideways, your iPhone enters StandBy mode to display info like the time, weather, headlines and photos.
- Dictation enhancements – Dictation automatically adds punctuation and emoji as you speak.
- Fitness app for all – The new Fitness app lets you track moves even without an Apple Watch.
In addition to new features, upgrading ensures you have the latest security updates and improvements like better performance and battery life.
Why should I not upgrade to iOS 17?
As with any major software release, upgrading now could mean exposing yourself to bugs and issues that crop up. Other drawbacks include:
- App compatibility problems – Some older apps may not work properly on iOS 17 yet.
- Battery drain – New features often impact battery life initially. So if you are worries about battery drain, then consider it normal.
- Adjustment period – It takes time to get used to new menus, commands and ways of doing things.
- Storage space – iOS 17 needs at least 6GB of free storage space to upgrade.
What should you consider before installing to iOS 17?
If you decide to upgrade to iOS 17, follow these tips to ensure a smooth installation process.
- Clear storage space if needed
- Backup your iPhone data first
- Update apps to latest compatible versions
- Read up on major iOS 17 changes
- Wait 48 hours to install – early bugs are often quickly fixed
- Manage battery life with new Optimized Battery Charging
- Give yourself time to adjust to changes
Should You Upgrade Your iPhone?
In general, newer iPhones will benefit most from upgrading to iOS 17. Here are guidelines per device:
- iPhone 14/14 Pro –For all the iPhone 14 series users it is definitely a go to upgrade iOS 17.
- iPhone 13/13 Pro – For iPhone 13 series users it is recommended to upgrade iOS 17 as soon as possible.
- iPhone 12/12 Pro –There might be a little battery drain issues since the processor might not be able to take the load of the upgrade. But otherwise there are no issues in upgrading.
- iPhone 11 or older –it is considered a bit risky for iPhone 11 and older models to upgrade to iOS 17. Check the storage space befor installing the update and also there might be a performance issues and risk since they are older iPhone with older bionic chip that cant take load of new software updae.
While iOS 17 brings helpful improvements, change is necessary. You have seen all the basic benefits and risks of upgrading and ultimately the choice is yours. But for most iPhone users, the new capabilities iOS 17 offers make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Until next time, with another topic. Till then, Toodles.