Should I Upgrade My iPhone 7 to iOS 11 or Later?
When it comes to upgrading your iPhone 7 to iOS 11 or later, there are a few things to consider. Generally speaking, the answer is no, it shouldn’t slow down your device. In fact, software updates often come with various optimizations that refine and improve performance. Upgrading can also help protect your device from security vulnerabilities.
Why Upgrading is Safe for iPhone 7
Your iPhone 7 is not an outdated device; it is still supported and receives regular updates. iOS 11 is the first major software update for your device, or the second major compatible update. You can expect to receive iOS 11.3.1 if you haven't updated yet. This version is quite stable, with minimal bugs or glitches. iOS 11.4 is in the beta stage as I write this.
While some users might be concerned that the upgrade will slow their phone down, rest assured that the iOS 11.3.1 update is optimized for stability. If you are not using the new features, you should still update for the security benefits. iOS 11.3.1 enhances the security of your device by protecting it from malware and other threats. These updates are crucial for maintaining a secure environment on your phone.
Is it Worth Updating to iOS 11.2.2?
Yes, you should update to iOS 11.2.2, especially if you are concerned about security. This version includes critical security patches for the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities. These patches are important to protect your device from potential hacking attempts. One of my colleagues with an iPhone 6s has downloaded the update and has no complaints about performance.
Understanding Compatibility and Performance
While newer builds often see less slowdown, with the newest models being almost unaffected, older devices like the iPhone 7 may still experience some slowdown. The performance impact is generally noticeable in the initial releases of a new update, such as iOS 11.0 or 11.1. However, these versions might show slower or buggy behavior. By the time you reach the x.3 updates, such as iOS 11.3, the performance impact is minimal, if any.
If you are an average user and don’t need the top speeds, updating to iOS 11.3.1 should not significantly impact your phone's performance. In general, the latest builds of iOS, including 11.3.1 and 11.4, are designed to be stable and efficient for the iPhone 7. If you have an older model, it’s best to wait for feedback from other users with similar devices before making the upgrade.
For those who are particularly concerned, you can also try the public beta version of iOS 11.2.5. However, be aware that beta versions may still contain bugs and are not recommended for everyday use. It's always best to stay with a stable release until others report no issues.