What's new in the latest iPhone update
Apple releases a major iPhone update once a year, usually in September, and smaller updates throughout the year. The latest update includes changes to how your phone handles security, what apps can do in the background, how your camera works, and which older devices still receive updates. Not every change affects every iPhone — older models sometimes miss the newest features because their hardware cannot support them.
You do not have to update when ready. Most people can wait a week or two while Apple fixes any bugs that show up after release. The exception is security updates, which patch vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit right now. Those should go on your phone as soon as they arrive.
To see what is new on your specific iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. Your phone will show you the version number and a description of what changed. If an update is available, you will see it listed there.
Key Takeaways
- Major iPhone updates arrive once a year and include changes to security, camera features, battery management, and what apps can access on your device.
- Security updates can arrive any time and should be installed quickly because they patch vulnerabilities that hackers are actively trying to use.
- Older iPhone models do not always receive the newest features because their processors or cameras cannot handle them, but they do receive security patches for several years.
- You can see what changed on your phone by going to Settings > General > Software Update and reading the description before you install.
Security patches versus feature updates
A security update fixes a hole in your phone's defenses. It does not add new features or change how anything looks. When Apple discovers that hackers have found a way to break into iPhones, or when a researcher reports a vulnerability, Apple releases a patch. These updates are small and install quickly. They should go on your phone within a few days of arrival.
A feature update is the big annual release that adds new camera modes, changes the lock screen, improves battery life, or lets apps do new things. These are larger, take longer to install, and you can wait a week or two while Apple fixes any problems that early adopters discover. But security patches inside those feature updates are still urgent — if a feature update includes a security fix, install it sooner rather than later.
You can tell the difference by the version number. Security updates are usually a small number change at the end — iOS 17.4 to iOS 17.4.1. Feature updates are bigger jumps — iOS 17 to iOS 18. Check your Settings to see which version you are running right now.
Which iPhones get updates and for how long
Apple supports iPhones for about five to six years of security updates after release. An iPhone 15 released in 2023 will receive patches until around 2028 or 2029. An iPhone 12 from 2020 is still receiving updates now and will for a few more years. An iPhone 8 from 2017 stopped receiving updates in 2022.
Not every iPhone gets every feature. Newer features often require a newer processor or camera. For example, the latest computational photography features might only work on iPhone 15 Pro, even though older models still receive security patches. Your phone will tell you which features are available on your device when you go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If your iPhone is more than six years old and no longer receives updates, that is a sign it is time to consider a replacement. Without security patches, your phone becomes more vulnerable to attacks over time.
How to install an update safely
Before you update, plug your iPhone into power and connect to Wi-Fi. Updates use a lot of battery and data, and a failed update because your battery died halfway through can cause serious problems. Give yourself at least an hour of uninterrupted time — do not update right before you leave the house.
Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If an update is available, you will see it listed with the version number and file size. Read the description to see what changed. Tap "Install Now" or "read and Install" depending on what your phone offers. Your iPhone will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off or unplug it.
After the update finishes, your phone will restart and you will be back at your lock screen. Check that your apps still work and that you can make calls and send messages. If something is broken, you can contact Apple Support, but most updates go smoothly.
What happens if you skip an update
Skipping a feature update for a few weeks is fine. Skipping a security update for more than a month puts your phone at risk. Hackers know about vulnerabilities as soon as Apple patches them, and they start trying to exploit unpatched phones when ready.
If you skip updates for a long time, your phone will eventually force an update. Apple does this to protect your data and your security. You cannot permanently refuse an update — you can only delay it.
Some people worry that updates will slow down their phone or use more battery. This is rarely true. Updates usually improve battery life and speed. If your phone feels slower after an update, restart it — a fresh restart often fixes the feeling of sluggishness.
Features that change between iPhone models
The newest updates often include features that only work on the latest iPhones. For example, a new camera feature might require the processor in an iPhone 15 Pro. A new AI feature might only work on phones with enough memory. Your phone will not show you features it cannot run.
This does not mean older iPhones are insecure. They still receive security patches. It means they cannot run the newest bells and whistles. An iPhone 12 from 2020 is still a find, capable phone — it just will not have every feature that an iPhone 15 has.
If you want the newest features, you will eventually need a newer phone. But if you want security and reliability, your current iPhone will receive patches for several more years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my iPhone right away?
Security updates should go on your phone within a few days. Feature updates can wait a week or two while Apple fixes any bugs. Never delay a security update for more than a month — hackers start exploiting vulnerabilities as soon as they are discovered.
Will an update slow down my phone?
Updates usually improve speed and battery life. If your phone feels slower after an update, restart it. If the slowness continues, your phone may be running out of storage space — check Settings > General > iPhone Storage and delete apps or photos you do not need.
What if my iPhone is too old to get the latest update?
Older iPhones stop receiving updates after five to six years. You can still use your phone, but it will not receive security patches. Consider replacing it if it is more than six years old, because unpatched phones become more vulnerable to attacks over time.
Can I undo an update if I do not like it?
No. Once you update, you cannot go back to the previous version. This is why it is okay to wait a week or two for a feature update — let other people find the bugs first. But do not wait on security updates.
How much storage does an update need?
Updates usually need between 2 and 5 gigabytes of free space. If your phone says it does not have enough storage, delete photos, videos, or apps you do not use. You can also back up your phone to iCloud and then erase it to free up space before updating.