Is it bad to not update iOS?
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.
While skipping a minor update does not affect the overall security and performance of your iPhone, not updating your iPhone for months or years can harm your device in more ways than you can think. If you are among those who purchased an iPhone right after it came out, you would have received it with a new iOS update.
You can continue to use your device if your iPhone no longer receives software updates. You just use an older iOS version and can't use the newest functions. You'll still receive security updates, but not as often.
what if I don't update my IOs? Will there be a problem? You will not get the latest features, security updates, and some apps requires a specific range of iOS version. You may not be able to use an app if the developer of that app no longer supports the old version of iOS you have.
Before you update to iOS 17, make sure you're updated to the latest iOS 16 version so that you don't encounter any issues if you decide to revert.
If the phone is physically okay and you depend on few core functionalities, then it is perfectly okay to keep using it for majority of (non-critical) tasks. Most bugs in the system & features of old iOS are limited to that old OS anyway - and most likely addressed.
In general, it is quite safe to keep using your phone as long as it's receiving regular software security updates from the manufacturer. For example, Apple is still updating the security of software for iPhones that are up to eight years old.
- iPhone 8 (Plus)
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
- iPhone 6(S) and 6(S) Plus.
- iPhone 5, 5S, and 5C.
- iPhone 4 and 4S.
- Older models.
As you can see from the data, Apple ensures compatibility with the latest iOS 16 for older models, such as the iPhone 8/8 Plus, and iOS 15 compatibility for handsets as old as the iPhone 6S.
It's normal to experience a drop -- even quite a significant drop -- in battery life following the installation of an iOS update. iPhones need to carry out a number of tasks in the background in the aftermath of an update.
Does my iPhone need an update?
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the currently installed version of iOS and whether an update is available.
- Models compatible with iOS 17.
- iPhone XR.
- iPhone XS.
- iPhone XS Max.
- iPhone 11.
- iPhone 11 Pro.
- iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iOS 16.0.3
Low microphone volume can occur during CarPlay phone calls on iPhone 14 models. Camera may be slow to launch or switch between modes on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Mail crashes on launch after receiving a malformed email.
If you can't upgrade to iOS 16, it also means you won't receive security updates to your iPhone, which could of course leave you at risk. Apple has been very proactive with iPhone security updates of late, pushing them out almost monthly over the last couple years.
| Release | Released | Active Support |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 3 months and 2 weeks ago (18 Sep 2023) | Yes |
| 16 | 1 year and 3 months ago (12 Sep 2022) | Ended 3 months and 2 weeks ago (18 Sep 2023) |
| 15 | 2 years and 3 months ago (20 Sep 2021) | Ended 1 year and 3 months ago (12 Sep 2022) |
| 14 | 3 years ago (16 Sep 2020) | Ended 2 years and 3 months ago (20 Sep 2021) |
To revert back to iOS 16, the process is not difficult, but there are several things to keep in mind before you uninstall iOS 17. Create a backup of your device using iTunes, iCloud or UltFone iOS Data Manager in case of losing data when you downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16.
The iPhone 6S was introduced in 2015, making it obsolete between 2020 and 2023. The iPhone 7 was introduced in 2016, making it obsolete between 2021 and 2023. The iPhone 8 was introduced in 2017, making it obsolete between 2023 and 2024.
Will the iPhone 7 still work in 2023? Even though the iPhone 7 is no longer supported by Apple's iOS updates, that doesn't mean you still can't use it in 2023. The iPhone 7 will still work on different carrier networks in the US and you'll still have access to apps on the Apple Store.
Apple discontinues hardware service for certain technologically obsolete products. Your product is supported by ongoing OS updates and backed by a network of more than 5,000 Apple-certified repair locations that you can count on if something unexpected happens.
Though Apple's iOS updates are not suppose to delete any user information from the device, exceptions arise. To bypass this threat of losing information, and to quell any anxiety that may accompany that fear, back up your iPhone before doing an update.
Is it good to downgrade iOS?
To downgrade iOS means that your device would be less secure, and easier for hackers to get into.” If the version of iOS you wish to reinstall doesn't have this signature then you will not be able to install it on your iPhone or iPad.
It is possible to use an iPhone 6 in 2023, but it may not be the most optimal choice. The iPhone 6 was released in 2014, and as technology advances rapidly, it may not be able to support some of the latest software and apps.
Overall, the iPhone 11 is a solid device that offers an outstanding balance of design, performance, and features. It still holds well in 2023 and is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, high-performance device at a more affordable price than the newer models.
Although it's absolutely fine to buy an iPhone that's one or two generations old, it's generally best to avoid any iPhones that are too old to either a) receive the latest iOS updates, or b) keep up with the latest software.
Using an iPhone 7 that is no longer receiving iOS updates or security updates may pose some security risks. Without the latest updates, the device may be vulnerable to potential security threats.
