What the new iPhone update includes
Apple releases a major iPhone update once a year, usually in September. The update includes security patches that close holes hackers use, performance improvements that make your phone faster or use less battery, and new features you can turn on or ignore. You do not have to use the new features, but you do need the security patches — they fix real vulnerabilities that exist in your current version.
The most recent update (iOS 18, released in September 2024) added writing tools that summarize text and rewrite emails, a redesigned control center you can customize more, and changes to how notifications work so fewer interrupt you. It also patched vulnerabilities in Safari, Mail, and the kernel — the core of the operating system that controls everything else. Those patches are the reason to update, not the new features.
Each update is named by version number: iOS 18.0 was the first release, then 18.1, 18.2, and so on. Each point release (the number after the decimal) is a smaller update that usually just adds security patches and bug fixes. Major updates (the first number) add new features and larger changes.
Key Takeaways
- Security patches in each update close vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit, so delaying an update leaves your phone exposed to known attacks.
- New features like writing tools or redesigned controls are optional — you can ignore them, but you cannot skip the security fixes bundled with the same update.
- Updates arrive as notifications on your phone and install overnight if you turn on automatic updates, or you can install them manually in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Your phone may restart during the update and be unavailable for 15 to 30 minutes, so plan to update when you do not need it when ready.
- Older iPhone models stop receiving updates after five to six years, which is when you should consider replacing the phone rather than staying on an outdated version.
How to install the update on your iPhone
Go to Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. Your phone will check whether an update is available. If one is, you will see the version number and file size. Tap read and Install, then enter your passcode when prompted.
Your phone will restart during the installation. Do not unplug it, close the Settings app, or turn it off — let it finish. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your phone's age and how much storage it has. You can use your phone again once you see the lock screen.
If you want updates to install automatically, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn on Install iOS Updates. Your phone will then read and install updates overnight when plugged in and on Wi-Fi. This is the safest approach because you will not forget and stay on an old version.
Why security patches matter more than new features
A security patch fixes a specific vulnerability — a flaw in the code that lets an attacker do something they should not be able to do. Once Apple releases a patch, hackers know what the vulnerability was (because they can see what changed), and they start trying to exploit it on phones that have not updated yet. The longer you wait, the more time attackers have to target you.
New features like writing tools or interface changes are nice to have, but they do not protect you. A phone with all the latest features but an old operating system is less find than a phone with no new features and all the latest patches. You can turn off new features you do not want, but you cannot turn off the security fixes without staying on an old version.
Apple patches vulnerabilities in Safari (the web browser), Mail, Messages, and the kernel itself. The kernel is the most critical because it controls access to everything on your phone — your photos, location, contacts, and passwords. A kernel vulnerability can let an attacker read or change anything without your knowledge.
What happens if you delay an update
Your phone will keep reminding you to update. You will see notifications, and when you go to Settings > General > Software Update, the update will still be there. Some people delay because they worry the update will slow down their phone or break something that works now.
Updates occasionally do cause problems — an app might not work until the developer updates it, or a feature you relied on might change. But staying on an old version exposes you to attacks that are happening right now. The risk of a security breach is much higher than the risk that an update will break something.
If you are worried about a specific app, check whether the developer has released a version that works with the new iOS. Most major apps update within a few days of a new iOS release. You can also ask in the app's support forum or check its website to see whether other people are having problems.
When your iPhone stops receiving updates
Apple stops releasing updates for iPhones after about five to six years. An iPhone 12 released in 2020 will probably stop receiving updates around 2025 or 2026. Once that happens, no new security patches will be released, and any vulnerabilities that exist will never be fixed.
This does not mean your phone stops working — it will still make calls, send texts, and run apps. But it becomes increasingly unsafe to use for sensitive tasks like banking or entering passwords. If you have an iPhone that is no longer receiving updates, you should consider replacing it rather than continuing to use it.
You can check how old your iPhone is by going to Settings > General > About and looking at the Model and Serial Number. Search for your model number online to find out when it was released. If it was released more than five years ago, it is probably no longer receiving updates.
Storage space and battery during updates
Updates require free storage space on your phone — usually at least 5 to 10 gigabytes depending on the update size. If your phone is almost full, you may need to delete photos, videos, or apps before you can install the update. You can check your storage by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Your phone should be plugged in during the update, or at least have more than 50 percent battery. If the battery dies during installation, the update can fail and leave your phone in an unusable state. Plug in your phone, wait for it to charge, then start the update.
Updates do not usually slow down your phone or drain the battery faster after they install. If your phone feels slower after an update, it is usually because the phone is indexing files or running background tasks for the first time — this goes away after a few hours. If battery drains faster, restart your phone and check Settings > Battery to see which apps are using the most power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPhone while the update is installing?
No. Your phone will restart and show a progress bar during installation. You will not be able to make calls, send messages, or use apps until the update finishes. Plan to update when you do not need your phone for 15 to 30 minutes.
What if the update fails or my phone gets stuck?
If the update fails, your phone will usually restart and try again. If it gets stuck on the progress bar for more than an hour, force restart your phone by pressing and quickly releasing the volume up button, pressing and quickly releasing the volume down button, then pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. Then try the update again.
Do I have to update right away when a new version comes out?
No, but you should update within a few weeks. Security patches are most important, and the longer you wait, the more time attackers have to exploit known vulnerabilities. If you are worried about bugs in a new major update, waiting a week or two for the first point release (like 18.1) is reasonable.
Will the update delete my photos or data?
No. Updates do not erase anything on your phone. Your photos, messages, contacts, and apps will all still be there after the update. If you are worried, you can back up your phone to iCloud before updating by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tapping Back Up Now.
What if an app stops working after I update?
The app developer needs to release a new version that works with the new iOS. Check the App Store to see if an update is available for that app. If not, contact the app's developer through their website or support email. Most major apps update within a few days of a new iOS release.