You wait for ages for a new iPhone software update and two come along at once. Apple released iOS 18 and iOS 17.7 at the same moment on Monday, Sept. 16. One is the all-new next-gen update and the other, iOS 17.7 is more of a security update for those who want to keep their iPhones safe but don’t want to trust to the first version of a big new release. I’ll be discussing both here and I’ve waited a little longer this time as with a big whole-number downloads can mean a longer wait and update issues perhaps can take longer to surface.
I’ll be updating this post over the next week to take into account any problems that arise, so please check back. The final assessment will be on Thursday, Sept. 26.
iOS 17.7 and iOS 18 are here. Should you upgrade?
Who Is It For And How Do You Get It?
Apple iOS 17.7 is compatible with all iPhones that can run iOS 17, that is, handsets from the iPhone XS onwards. And, just to make your choice that bit harder, iOS 18 is available for exactly the same line-up of iPhone.
Updates are available automatically but you may find you have it on your iPhone sooner if you click on Settings, then General, then Software Update.
What It’s About
There’s an awful lot that’s new in iOS 18, not least paving the way for Apple Intelligence, coming in October. There’s rather less in iOS 17.7, but there are still a lot of bug updates—as detailed by Forbes Senior Contributor Kate O’Flaherty here.
Apple iOS 17.7 and iOS 18 Security
The security issues are the same in both releases. They include fixes to the Kernel, which is at the absolute heart of the operating system, issues in Shortcuts, one in Mail Accounts and more. While many are minor, there’s no such thing as a no-value security issue. If in doubt, iOS 17.7 is a good way to go.
Initial Reactions
Very positive, in a nutshell. One user said that iOS 17.7 was “buttery smooth and cold as ice even while updating.” The cold bit, I think, refers to the iPhone not overheating as it can in some updates. Another commented about iOS 18, “A new release is almost always halfway between beta and stable.” About iOS 18, many were happy, saying things like, “18.0 is shockingly stable on my 13 Pro Max if it helps.”
Apple iOS 17.7 And iOS 18 Initial Verdict: Update
Things are looking remarkably good so far, though I’ll be watching closely over the coming week. If you’re unsure about iOS 18, definitely go for iOS 17.7. Those iOS 18 features will be waiting when you’re ready. Please check back next Thursday.