Before you install this new iOS update on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, there are some things to consider.
Every time Apple releases a new iOS update, we get questions from family, friends, and readers. Some of these questions come on the first day of availability. Some people see this version in the news, while others come across a random update in their settings.
Not everyone is an early adopter, though. Sometimes we get questions days, weeks, or even months after an update is released.
In January, Apple released a minor maintenance update called iOS 10.2.1. Apple plans to replace iOS 10.2.1 with a much larger iOS 10.3 update. iOS 10.3 is a milestone upgrade that means it will bring more than just bug fixes and security patches. There are also new features on board.
Sometime after iOS 10.3, Apple will release another iOS update. And one more. And so on etc.
When it comes to iOS 10.2.1, we continue to get questions about its value months after its initial release on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
If you have similar questions every time Apple releases a new iOS update for your device, we’d like to help you. Here are some things you’ll want to consider before installing any iOS update. Be it iOS 10.2.1, iOS 10.3 or iOS 11.
Are you ready?
The first thing to consider is your preparation. Have you done anything to prepare for the iOS update you are about to install? If the answer is a resounding yes, consider hitting the download button. If your answer is no, there are some things you need to do before installing the software on your device.
Everyone is prepared a little differently, but there are some steps everyone should take before installing a new iOS update on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Here are a few things you should do before downloading a new upgrade:
You don’t need to spend five hours preparing for the download, but a few minutes can go a long way in preventing headaches.
Should You Install This Update Today?
You may want to install a new iOS update right away, but many of you will benefit from waiting a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. Consider waiting.
Postponing an update can be a hard pill to swallow, especially if the update is as exciting as iOS 10.3, but you’ll want to be extremely patient with Apple software. especially with major milestone upgrades like iOS 10.3. They have the potential to cause major problems on your device.
Take the time to weigh the pros and cons. If the update has more than one game-changing feature (bug fix, a new feature, etc.), it might be worth installing right away. If you’re having a great experience with your current version of iOS, or if you’re in the middle of a trip, you might want to do a rain check.
Apple never forces you to install iOS software, and updates don’t just pop up and disappear. Like iOS 10.2.1 right now, they’ll be there waiting for you until Apple decides to release something brand new.
Can You Downgrade?
You’ll want to be extremely confident about migrating to a new iOS software. This is extremely important if you have a device running an older version of iOS.
When you install an iOS update on your phone or tablet, you can downgrade for a short time. In the case of iOS 10.3, you can revert to iOS 10.2.1 for a week or two before Apple closes the required gap. Unfortunately, there will be no way to downgrade anything older than that.
You cannot opt out of the iOS 10.3 update once Apple has turned off downgrading to iOS 10.2.1. You will be stuck there until a new update comes out.
If you are not on iOS 10.2.1, you cannot revert to the version of iOS you are using. This includes iOS 10.2, iOS 10.0.1, iOS 9, iOS 8 etc. are included. You cannot revert to the official version of these updates after upgrading.
In most cases, the answer to the downgrade question will be no. Therefore, you need to be one hundred percent sure of the iOS software you have installed on your phone. do you need it We can help, but only you know the answer to this question.
Want to Jailbreak?
Jailbreaks are still popular with iOS users because they allow you to customize and modify your device in ways that are not otherwise possible.
So you should ask yourself the question: Are you even remotely interested in jailbreaking your phone or tablet? If your answer is yes, you will want to pump the tweens in one download.
Unfortunately, Apple complicates things for jailbreak developers. We don’t see the fast fire jailbreak releases we saw years ago. They are more messy, which means you have to be extremely careful with each iOS update release. In most cases, you will want to avoid new iOS updates if you want to jailbreak a device.
Jailbreak developers have released jailbreaks for older versions of iOS 10, but nothing is available for the new versions (iOS 10.2.1 and iOS 10.3), at least not yet.
And with the move to iOS 10.2 and iOS 10.1.1 now closed, those who upgraded to iOS 10.2.1 or iOS 10.3 beta are stuck until jailbreak developers release a new tool and it can take months.
The best thing to do is to keep your fingers crossed, no matter what version of iOS you are using. Upgrading to a new version of iOS can potentially delay your plans to jailbreak your device.
Are You Ready to Solve Problems?
There’s a very good chance you’re running into a problem with your iOS update. Problems can occur even during the installation process itself.
Common iOS issues include setup issues, abnormal battery drain, Wi-Fi related issues, Bluetooth related issues, and apps and services related issues.
You may have time to take your device to an Apple Store that day (or even if there are appointments) or that week, so you’ll want to know how to deal with these issues before downloading a new update. This is especially true if your device is important to your daily life.
You’ll want to watch for fixes for common iOS issues. Save them in memory or, if you’re forgetful, bookmark the page so you can easily get back to it if you run into a problem.
You’ll soon be an amateur Apple Genius and should be able to handle whatever iOS throws your way.
