Update iPhone 13+ 13 mini or stay on iOS 15?

[rocketbuc]

We are currently using an iPhone 13 and 13 mini in our family with iOS 15.7.1 - everything works fine, is stable, and we’re happy with it.

Now the dilemma: Should we update our devices to the stable version of iOS 17 before iOS 18 gets released? I am afraid that soon app support will eventually start to drop and then iOS 18 will be the only option moving forward.

Interested in your opinions and recommendation. Thank you!

 

[mblm85]

Definitely update iOS 17, no matter what you do. Always good to have the latest bug fixes and security updates.

Whether you update to iOS 18 depends manly on whether you like the non-AI features that you would get.

App devs tend to support the last three or maybe two versions. I think a lot depends on whether the device support in newer versions cuts off older phones. Devs obviously don't like losing customers when a device can't be upgraded.

Either way, I don't think you face any imminent threats to your apps and you can see how iOS 18 beds in.

EDIT: Misread. You're on 15, not an earlier version of 17 and I didn't realise. Think my general points still valid, staying on 15.7.1 for now if you're happy with it. *I* would be tempted to move to 17 now for the updates.

 

[winxmac]

Netflix no longer releases updates on iOS 15.x though you can still use the last compatible version Netflix app for iOS 15.x [Netflix now requires iOS 16.0 or later]

I bought iPad 6 running iPadOS 13.7 but because the Photos app is very limited/very few features, I decided to update it to iPadOS 16.7 which was the latest at that time...

I bought iPhone 13 Pro running iO17.0.3 but tested iOS 18.0 beta for a few days, however I restored it to iOS 17.6 and decided to just wait for the non-beta release of iOS 18.x

If only Apple allows downgrade to old iOS versions several years in the past, I would downgrade to iOS 15.8 since it does not have the Everyone for 10 minute setting of AirDrop and also, iOS 15.x is designed with iPhone 13 series in mind...

Now, if all the apps you use no longer works or no longer getting updates and asks for newer iOS version, go ahead and update... A15 Bionic is still good enough to handle iOS 17.6 and iOS 18.0 beta but just remember that you can no longer install iOS 15.x after you upgrade to iOS 17.x or iOS 18.x

 

[ThatsMeRight]

If you’ve got any sensitive personal information or use your phone for stuff like banking, it would be wise anyway to update. iOS 15.7.1 has publicly known security issues of which we know they are actively being exploited.

Remember, when Apple releases patches for previous generation iOS, they often only do that to fix really bad security issues. All the other ‘less worse security issues’ still only get patched in the most recent version. In other words: for security, it would be best to also upgrade to iOS 18 this fall.

 

[Reverend Benny]

If you’ve got any sensitive personal information or use your phone for stuff like banking, it would be wise anyway to update. iOS 15.7.1 has publicly known security issues of which we know they are actively being exploited.

Remember, when Apple releases patches for previous generation iOS, they often only do that to fix really bad security issues. All the other ‘less worse security issues’ still only get patched in the most recent version. In other words: for security, it would be best to also upgrade to iOS 18 this fall.

They don't release fixed for old iOS versions if the phone can run later versions of the OS. It only applies to phones that can't run later versions.
The exception is when a new OS is released, then they generally support the older OS for a few months alongside the newer OS.

And to reply to what @rocketbuc was asking, absolutely update your device. Have a read up on basic IT-security to grasp the basics, one basic thing is to keep your devices updated. Now, some updates don't always include security updates, but most do. Have a look in the release notes if you feel unsure what the update might do.

And while you are patching your iOS devices, have a look at your router at home, are there any updates for that device?

 

[ThatsMeRight]

They don't release fixed for old iOS versions if the phone can run later versions of the OS. It only applies to phones that can't run later versions.
The exception is when a new OS is released, then they generally support the older OS for a few months alongside the newer OS.

Yeah, true, thanks for adding this! I just meant to say that even the updates for those older devices do not contain all security patches, but only patches for the most crucial security issues.

Good advice to keep devices updates. It’s good for OP to remember: iOS and Android are the two most used operating systems in the world. You can bet your life savings on it that people and organizations are trying to break into those operating systems all the time.

 

[Heindijs]

I don't even know why'd you stay on iOS 15 at all. 17 is perfectly stable, as you'd expect from a tested version. The 13 supports it for a reason.

It's not like it slows down your iPhone either.

 

[rocketbuc]

I don't even know why'd you stay on iOS 15 at all. 17 is perfectly stable, as you'd expect from a tested version. The 13 supports it for a reason.

It's not like it slows down your iPhone either.

Battery life has been great on our devices and we are not missing any features. Everything working fine. Have heard mixed feedback of the new versions.

 

[Reverend Benny]

Battery life has been great on our devices and we are not missing any features. Everything working fine. Have heard mixed feedback of the new versions.

Software updates: Why they matter for cyber security - Get Cyber Safe

Here’s the Get Cyber Safe guide to how software updates can help protect you, your family and your business from cyber threats.

www.getcybersafe.gc.ca

 

[rocketbuc]

I don't even know why'd you stay on iOS 15 at all. 17 is perfectly stable, as you'd expect from a tested version. The 13 supports it for a reason.

It's not like it slows down your iPhone either.

The "slowing down..." is what I am most afraid of. Both phones are working perfection iOS 15 right now, so there might be more downside than upside.

 

[admwright]

Our 13 mini's have been running ios16 for the last year perfectly well. Decided to update to ios17 before 18 blocks that option and I have not noticed any difference in how they run.

 

[Reverend Benny]

The "slowing down..." is what I am most afraid of. Both phones are working perfection iOS 15 right now, so there might be more downside than upside.

Depends on how you define perfection I guess.

We have at least 13 critical vulnerabilities (score 8.0 or higher) published 2023 and 2024 that are related to iOS. Since you haven't updated your iPhone since October 2022 its prob a few more.

Have a look at the links below that lists some of them them and if you don't update its wise to have a look at workarounds if they are available. Now, these are the CVE's that's official.

2023:

Apple Iphone Os : Security vulnerabilities, CVEs published in 2023

Security vulnerabilities of Apple Iphone Os : List of vulnerabilities affecting any version of this product published in 2023

www.cvedetails.com

2024:

Apple Iphone Os : Security vulnerabilities, CVEs published in 2024

Security vulnerabilities of Apple Iphone Os : List of vulnerabilities affecting any version of this product published in 2024

www.cvedetails.com

Another reason to update might be the added security features such as SDP that Apple has introduced, please se link below for more info.

About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone - Apple Support

Stolen Device Protection adds a layer of security when your iPhone is away from familiar locations, such as home or work.

support.apple.com

 

[Heindijs]

The "slowing down..." is what I am most afraid of. Both phones are working perfection iOS 15 right now, so there might be more downside than upside.

These updates are well optimised, my 13 Mini runs the beta of iOS 18 as well as it ran 15. In fact, there are often speed improvements in updates. Faster animations, 'Game mode' in iOS 18 and other stuff under the hood.

And don't be fooled, the A15 in the 13 (and used in the 14) is still an amazing CPU and the generational leaps from 10-15 years ago are no longer really a thing.

 

[Populus]

The "slowing down..." is what I am most afraid of. Both phones are working perfection iOS 15 right now, so there might be more downside than upside.

I’m running the latest build of iOS 17.6.1 on my SE3, which is pretty much your 13 mini with an older design, and it runs great. I was hesitant but after a few hours it runs even smoother than 16.6.1

iOS 18 is still a bit buggy so I’d take advantage of this time window to update to 17.6.1

Expect a slightly worse battery life though. But that’s unavoidable.

 

[rocketbuc]

I think you guys convinced me to update to iOS 17. Just two quick questions:
- Is iOS 17.6.1 the last release before the jump to iOS 18 or do we expect another version?
- What is the best way to update the two phones? Just over-the-air or via a Mac?

 

[mblm85]

- Is iOS 17.6.1 the last release before the jump to iOS 18 or do we expect another version?

I don't expect Apple to be planning another update but they do release occasional updates for security issues, beyond the launch of the new version.

- What is the best way to update the two phones? Just over-the-air or via a Mac?

I do everything over the air and have done for some years now. You only need to use your Mac if there isn't enough free space for over-the-air.

 

[rocketbuc]

Just pulled the trigger... Let's hope for the best.

 

[Populus]

Just pulled the trigger... Let's hope for the best.

If you feel your iPhone overheats and suffer a severe battery drain, check if you have installed the build 21G101. If so, manually installing the previous build, 21G93, could solve it. At least that’s my experience with my SE3. I’ve experienced a big battery drain with the revised build, 21G101, and after installing the previous build 21G93 I’m not experiencing those problems. I hope this information to be useful for you.

 

[rocketbuc]

If you feel your iPhone overheats and suffer a severe battery drain, check if you have installed the build 21G101. If so, manually installing the previous build, 21G93, could solve it. At least that’s my experience with my SE3. I’ve experienced a big battery drain with the revised build, 21G101, and after installing the previous build 21G93 I’m not experiencing those problems. I hope this information to be useful for you.

Thank you. This is great insight. I have a 13 and 13 mini, does this also apply or just for the SE3?

 

[Reverend Benny]

Thank you. This is great insight. I have a 13 and 13 mini, does this also apply or just for the SE3?

You don't need to worry about the build if you do a OTA update.

Edit: And if you went to the hassle of doing it via a Mac then you got the latest build anyway since its been released for a while.

 

[Populus]

Thank you. This is great insight. I have a 13 and 13 mini, does this also apply or just for the SE3?

Yes, it also applies given that it’s basically the same machine. So far, the difference is noticeable although maybe it’s still early to tell.

After 18 hours since I unplugged it at 100%, it’s still at 70%. Admittedly, the usage has been light, but with the build 21G101 the phone was hot and drained faster with the same conditions.

You can check what build you installed in Settings -> General -> Info -> iOS Version 17.6.1 -> Tap there and it will reveal the build number.

If you have the 21G101 and experience battery drain like me, let me know and I’ll explain you how to install the original build of 17.6.1 (21G93).

 

[rocketbuc]

Yes, it also applies given that it’s basically the same machine. So far, the difference is noticeable although maybe it’s still early to tell.

After 18 hours since I unplugged it at 100%, it’s still at 70%. Admittedly, the usage has been light, but with the build 21G101 the phone was hot and drained faster with the same conditions.

You can check what build you installed in Settings -> General -> Info -> iOS Version 17.6.1 -> Tap there and it will reveal the build number.

If you have the 21G101 and experience battery drain like me, let me know and I’ll explain you how to install the original build of 17.6.1 (21G93).

Will check it out and come back to you for help if I have the "wrong" build.

 

[spartan1967]

Just bought a new battery for my 13 Mini, which was at 84% capacity. With 17.6.1 (21G101) such a huge different in longevity. Literally getting 7-9 hours now per day, which is more than enough for me.

Considering iOS 18, not only am I waiting for almost all of the bugs to be worked out before I consider, but also how much it degrades other's 13/13 Minis performance & daily battery life. I know security updates...🙄.

Edit: Also with 17.6.1 (21G101), no draining from 100% charge overnight if left off charger now. But I do have all parasitic settings off like background refreshing etc.

 

[rocketbuc]

Feedback from moving my 13 mini and my wife’s 13 to iOS 17: Things have been surprisingly smooth and none of us experienced worse battery life with the new iOS. Let’s hope it stays that way.

However, since updating I have not been traveling extensively where the full battery capacity is needed and the 13 mini is pushed to its limits with lots of Navigation, Uber, WhatsApp/ iMessage, Emails during a busy day.

 

[Reverend Benny]

Feedback from moving my 13 mini and my wife’s 13 to iOS 17: Things have been surprisingly smooth and none of us experienced worse battery life with the new iOS. Let’s hope it stays that way.

However, since updating I have not been traveling extensively where the full battery capacity is needed and the 13 mini is pushed to its limits with lots of Navigation, Uber, WhatsApp/ iMessage, Emails during a busy day.

Not sure you went 17.6.1 or 17.7, but if you move to 17.7 that has a bunch of security fixes in the package you can enjoy the same or slightly better battery life.

Haven't tried the 13 mini, but the regular 13 and 13 pro (my main device) might have had a little bit of a battery boost again. But It's to early to tell, will give it a week and then it normally settles.

Edit: Don't forget to update the apps as well when you have updated. go into apple store and do a manual update to force an update.