Should You Update Your iPhone 5s to iOS 12? Debunking the Speculation
With the release of iOS 12, many iPhone users are considering an update to their devices, but is it really necessary? This article delves into the details, weighing the pros and cons, and analyzing whether it's worth updating an older device like the iPhone 5s to the latest iOS version.
The Case Against Upgrading
"Every device is best on its original iOS, but for some reasons, especially app support, you can update to a newer version."
This can be true for many older devices like the iPhone 5s. However, upgrading to iOS 12 might not always be the best choice. For instance, the iPhone 5s has had its fair share of compatibility issues with newer iOS versions. An update to iOS 12 caused my own iPhone 5s to get stuck in a boot loop, leading to an irrecoverable state. This was the first update to go wrong, which should give you a hint about its compatibility.
The Case For Upgrading
Although the iPhone 5s is a bit outdated, with a processor from 2013, it still holds a place in the hearts of many tech enthusiasts. Some argue that you should update your iPhone 5s to iOS 12 when it becomes officially released. While I personally use my iPhone 5S for testing iOS beta versions, I can confirm that the 5s does perform slightly better on iOS 12 beta 5 than it did on its original iOS 10.3.3.
According to benchmark tests, iOS 12 apparently offers better performance compared to iOS 10.3.3, even with a processor from 2013. Apple continuously improves its operating system, and by waiting until the official release, which might be in September, you can benefit from these improvements.
The Decision-making Process
"Should you update your device?" This question can be tricky. Just because iOS 11 worked well on your iPhone 5s, it doesn't necessarily mean iOS 12 will be the same. The dividing line between 32-bit and 64-bit wasn't noticeable the last time, and with iOS 12 focusing on internal improvements, it's hard to say what will happen. Remember, the Snow Leopard update, which was meant to be all about improving the system, ended up cutting off all PowerPC Macs despite them being only a year old.
In short, updating to iOS 12 is not a guaranteed success. It depends on the specific model of your iPhone 5s and whether there is a definitive connection between the 5s and iOS 12. There's no clear answer and no way to know for certain whether it will work or not.
"Heck yes! Simply because I bought a sealed unit 16GB Gold last week and want it to be worth every penny. laughs
However, for those who want to get the most out of their iPhone 5s and ensure it functions optimally, waiting for the official release of iOS 12 could be a prudent decision.
Alternatively, if you're looking at upgrading your device, consider a more recent model. iOS 12 is still not available, so there's no real benefit in attempting an upgrade with something you might not be able to get. In the meantime, your iPhone 5s can still be a valuable collector's item, and perhaps an upgrade to a more modern device would better serve your needs.