With the release of iOS 18, iPhone users are in for an exciting new update. But not everyone wants to switch to the latest operating system right away. With iOS 17, Apple continues to offer the option of staying on the older operating system and still benefiting from regular security patches.
Apple has a tradition of offering users choice when it comes to operating system updates. This has proven particularly useful in recent years, as many users do not want to upgrade to the latest version immediately to avoid potential app compatibility issues or system bugs. With the release of iOS 18 on September 16, Apple is following this line and once again giving users the option to stay with iOS 17 without having to forego important security patches.
iOS 17: A proven operating system
iOS 17 has become a stable everyday companion for many iPhone users. Although iOS 18 offers a variety of new features and improvements, there are good reasons to stick with iOS 17:
- Stability: Many users prefer to stay on a proven operating system to avoid possible bugs in the new version.
- App compatibility: Some apps may need some time to be fully compatible with iOS 18. Those who rely on certain apps may want to continue using iOS 17 for the time being.
Apple releases iOS 17.7 with security patches
Along with iOS 18, iOS 17.7 will also be released, which includes important security patches and bug fixes. This update ensures that your device remains secure even without upgrading to iOS 18. Here are some reasons why this is important:
- Protection against security vulnerabilities: Even older iOS versions can pose security risks. With the patches in iOS 17.7, you remain protected against the latest threats.
- Bug fixes: While new features are not added, Apple makes sure to fix known bugs to improve the user experience.
Freedom of choice between iOS 17 and iOS 18
Apple offers users the choice of whether to upgrade to iOS 18 or stay with iOS 17. This decision can be made directly from your iPhone's settings. There you have the option to either install the latest iOS 18 or continue using iOS 17 and still benefit from the latest security patches. This option is especially helpful if:
- You are cautious about new updates: You may want to wait and see how iOS 18 performs in practice.
- Your favorite apps are not yet compatible: Some developers need some time to optimize their apps for the new operating system.
Outlook on the future of iOS 17
It should be noted that Apple does not maintain this type of support for older versions indefinitely. As with iOS 16, security patches for iOS 17 will be discontinued after a while - at the latest when the majority of users have switched to iOS 18 and there are no more devices that do not support iOS 18. Since iOS 18 runs on all devices that also support iOS 17, this moment could come sooner than in the past.
iOS 18 or iOS 17: Which is the right option for your iPhone?
With the publication of iOS 18, an important decision is ahead: Do you switch to the latest operating system with all its new features, or do you prefer to stick with iOS 17 and continue to use the stability and security patches? Both options have their advantages, and Apple allows you to make the best choice for your individual needs. No matter which option you choose, your iPhone will remain protected with the latest security updates. (Image: Apple)
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