About Apple software updates
Apple regularly provides software updates that improve your device with new features, important security enhancements, and bug fixes. Learn more about why they are important and how they work.
Why it’s important to update your software
Updating your operating system software is one of the most important things you can do to keep your device running smoothly and securely, and ensure you can take advantage of the latest features. Here’s why staying up-to-date is so important:
New features and improvements
Software updates bring the latest capabilities to your Apple device. From new capabilities in apps like Messages, Safari, and Mail, to powerful enhancements in system experiences like Control Center and the Lock Screen, to entirely new technologies like Apple Intelligence, updates can help you boost productivity, communicate in new ways, and get so much more out of your Apple product.
Software updates also deliver new capabilities for developers to build into their apps. Keeping your device up to date ensures you can take advantage of these features and enjoy the latest innovations from your favorite apps.
Enhanced security
Updating your software is the most effective way to stay secure. Software updates provide important security enhancements and critical fixes, protecting you against the latest malware, viruses, and other cybersecurity threats.
Bug fixes
Software updates also include bug fixes that improve the overall stability and reliability of your device.
How software updates work
Software updates come in two forms: major releases (e.g., 26.0) and minor releases (e.g., 26.1 or 26.1.1). Major releases typically happen once a year and include many new features, improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Minor releases happen regularly throughout the year and can include some new features, along with important security updates and bug fixes.
Updating your operating system is easy and you can choose to have updates installed automatically. Apple provides details of the software update in Settings so that you can view before installing it.
New software updates are rolled out in stages, initially available in Settings for users who choose to manually download and install them. After that, Apple also begins notifying users and automatically updating for those who have auto updates enabled.
For those who need a little more time before upgrading after a major software upgrade is made available, Apple continues to offer security updates to the previous major operating system version for a period of time.
Performance and battery impact
Apple’s hardware and software are designed together to deliver great performance and great battery life. As new features and improvements are added, they can change the way we use our devices, as you explore and utilize these new capabilities. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Immediately after completing an update, particularly a major release, you might notice a temporary impact on battery life and thermal performance. This is normal, as your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.
New features are exciting and help you get even more out of your Apple product, though some may require additional resources from the device. Depending on individual usage, some users may notice a small impact on performance and/or battery life. Apple continually works to optimize these features in software updates to ensure great battery life and a smooth user experience.
How to update your iPhone or iPad