I'm looking for detailed descriptions of what actually happens when you use each recovery method, since Apple is not very transparent about this. I know the recommended reasons for each method, but I want to know all of what happens under the hood.
My understanding is:
Update OTA - a patch file is appled to your iOS installation, making only the modifications of the new version.
Update through iTunes/IPSW file - The entire iOS installation is replaced with the newest version or version you force selected.
Restore through iTunes/Finder - The phone is completely erased, the latest version of iOS is installed fresh.
Recovery Mode - A mode in which the phone can be force updated or restored if you are having issues updating or with something else, but otherwise is the same as performing a normal update or restore.
DFU Mode - The phone is completely erased and iBoot is re-installed, followed by the latest iOS version. If you weren't having issues with booting then the end result would be the same as a normal Restore process.
...But then I've seen other people claim that Recovery and DFU Mode give you a truly fresh installation that a regular restore does not. Which is it?
My understanding is:
Update OTA - a patch file is appled to your iOS installation, making only the modifications of the new version.
Update through iTunes/IPSW file - The entire iOS installation is replaced with the newest version or version you force selected.
Restore through iTunes/Finder - The phone is completely erased, the latest version of iOS is installed fresh.
Recovery Mode - A mode in which the phone can be force updated or restored if you are having issues updating or with something else, but otherwise is the same as performing a normal update or restore.
DFU Mode - The phone is completely erased and iBoot is re-installed, followed by the latest iOS version. If you weren't having issues with booting then the end result would be the same as a normal Restore process.
...But then I've seen other people claim that Recovery and DFU Mode give you a truly fresh installation that a regular restore does not. Which is it?