Quick Fixes for iPhone: Update Software
- by Joe Weber - updated on 6/12/2023
Your iPhone is your companion, it goes with you everywhere. It's also your connection to the world with, obviously, a phone but it's so much more than that. It gives you untethered access to the internet, maps and navigation, music, games, banking and so much more.
Your iPhone is incredibly powerful but it is important to keep it up to date when new software updates come out.
Here are a few of the many reasons why:
- Security: Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your iPhone from malware and other threats.
- Performance: Software updates can also improve the performance of your iPhone, making it faster and more responsive.
- Features: New software updates often include new features and improvements, such as new apps, better battery life, and more.
- Stability: Software updates can also help to fix bugs and other problems that may be affecting your iPhone.
Are All Updates Important?
Not all updates are treated equally. Here's a breakdown of the different types of updates that you could see for your iPhone. However, all iPhone Operating System (iOS) updates should be completed on your iPhone because Apple will sometimes include bug fixes or other enhancements in smaller updates.
Security Enhancements
Hackers find new vulnerabilities in software all the time. To prevent them from gaining access to your personal data, developers will update their software often to make it harder for hackers to break through the security measures on your phone.
Critical Security Updates
A much more important update is what Apple is calling a "Rapid Security Response " update and includes fixes to critical vulnerabilities that should be addressed as soon as possible.
Bug Fixes
It happens to every company. Sometimes you launch a new product or update and something suddenly isn't working the way it should. The updates will correct those pesky features that aren't working correctly.
Feature Updates
Apple will often add features to their operating systems after a major launch if those features weren't ready to be launched to the public at the time. These updates will often be larger and feature more than just the new feature, like bug fixes and system improvements.
Major Feature Updates
Usually once a year in early fall, Apple will release the newest full version of their device operating system. We are currently on the 16th iteration of this operating system, also known as iOS 16. These updates usually include things like design changes, major feature overhauls, and much more.
How Do I Update My iPhone's Software?
Keeping your iPhone software up to date is easy. All you have to do is:
- Tap Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
Your iPhone will instantly check to see if an update is available. If an update is available, you'll see a message displayed on the screen. Tap Download and Install or Install Now to install the update.
It is important to note that your phone will need to be at least 50% charged or connected to a charger to install any updates.
Always Back Up Your Data
Keeping your iPhone data backed up is crucial. Here are a few of the most important reasons why you should always back up your data:
- To protect your data in case of loss or damage. If your iPhone is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore your data from your backup onto your new phone. This includes your photos, videos, contacts, messages, and other important files.
- To make it easy to switch to a new iPhone. If you decide to upgrade to a new iPhone, you can easily transfer your data from your old phone to your new one using a backup instead of manually downloading your apps and entering data by hand.
- To keep your data safe from malware and viruses. A backup can help protect your data from malware and viruses. If your iPhone is infected with malware, you can restore your data from a backup that was created before the infection
Keeping Your iPhone Up To Date Is An Easy Way to Ensure Your Phone Works Smoothly
Having the latest iOS updates can improve your iPhone's security, performance, features, and compatibility. By keeping your iPhone up to date, you can help to protect it from malware and other security threats, make your phone run more smoothly, and keep your iPhone feeling fresh and new.
Will An Update Fix My iPhone?
If your iPhone is acting strange or functions aren't working as they should, your first step is to check for a software update using the steps above. If there is an update, complete that update to see if the situation improves.
If completing a software update doesn't fix your issue, it may not be software related at all. It could be a defective component inside your iPhone. If this is the case, bring your iPhone to your nearest Batteries Plus to have our repair technicians diagnose your phone to see where the problem is and what needs to be fixed.
We've got you covered here at Batteries Plus. Our wide variety of repairs for your iPhone includes:
- Screen replacement
- Battery replacement
- Back glass replacement
- Front- & rear-facing camera repair
- Charge port repair
- Charge port cleaning
- Speaker repair
- Headphone jack repair
- Button (home/volume/power) repair
- And more!
If you know what you need, schedule your iPhone repair online now and save $10! With Batteries Plus, you can be sure that you are going to get a great repair at a great price.