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Jmgilliam18

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 24, 2017
157
14
Which is best if either ? I don't use a mac or iTunes on computer but could download to upgrade with if works better.
 
I do mine OTA; there really is a negligible difference between the two, unless you mean Cellular OTA (that uses your cell data, then I would do iTunes or WiFi). The updates do checking to ensure that they’re not corrupt or missing data. If they are, they will redownload the update again (I had this happen with 11.2), so yeah either way.
 
I always do OTA for X.x.x updates. But full installer through iTunes for X.0 and X.X updates. I feel that the bigger updates should have a full installer. Anecdotally, I have always had better experience with full installer rather than delta OTA.
 
I always do OTA for X.x.x updates. But full installer through iTunes for X.0 and X.X updates. I feel that the bigger updates should have a full installer. Anecdotally, I have always had better experience with full installer rather than delta OTA.

So I'm on 10.3.3 now. Going to whichever 11 is out there. Which would this qualify for ?
 
So I'm on 10.3.3 now. Going to whichever 11 is out there. Which would this qualify for ?
Definitely iTunes. Such a big jump I would want full installer. In reality I would probably set up as new to prevent major bugs and glitches. But at a minimum, iTunes update.
 
Definitely iTunes. Such a big jump I would want full installer. In reality I would probably set up as new to prevent major bugs and glitches. But at a minimum, iTunes update.

How do you setup as new? Not in Apple eco system except for phone.
 
How do you setup as new? Not in Apple eco system except for phone.
You plug into iTunes and click restore. It will download 11.2.1 and wipe your phone. If you do, you will lose all app data, messages and more. Only things that would be preserved would be what you have saved in iCloud. Such as bookmarks, health, notes, contacts and more.

I would attempt to install iOS 11.2.1 via iTunes and give it a week. If you run into issues, then consider restoring as new.
 
Realistically plenty of people have had plenty of good experiences with either/both, while there have certainly been some that have had issues here and there also with either/both. In the end, either one is a valid choice to go with these days.
 
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How do you setup as new? Not in Apple eco system except for phone.
Used iTunes to update an iPhone 5S, 6, and 7 recently to iOS 11.2.1 from 10.3.3 and no issues at all. Didn’t setup as new, just restored from backup through iTunes.
 
I downloaded iTunes. Hooked up my phone. Tried to follow directions but everything says click on your device in iTunes and then click summary to backup and/or update. I don't have that option. There is no summary there
 
I downloaded iTunes. Hooked up my phone. Tried to follow directions but everything says click on your device in iTunes and then click summary to backup and/or update. I don't have that option. There is no summary there

On PC, you’ll need to wait a bit for Windows to install the driver for the device. Once connected, you need to approve or accept the connection prompt by unlocking your device and enter your password. If you’re updating, it will ask for password again before updating on the device as well.
 
Finally got it. Thanks for help.

Does iTunes or windows store the huge iOS download or is it deleted once installed?

If it’s not, where do you go to delete it from your computer?
 
If you’re Apple Developer, you normally download the beta IPSW file stored on the Windows download folder.

If using iTunes to update, iTunes will download the respective firmware for the device stored in \Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

You may need to how search in Windows "show hidden files and folder" and enable "showhidden files, folders and drives" and hit "Apply"
 
If you’re Apple Developer, you normally download the IPSW file stored on the Windows download folder.

If using iTunes to update, iTunes will download the respective firmware for the device stored in \Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates
No developer.

So I can go to the location above and delete ?
 
No developer.

So I can go to the location above and delete ?

Yes, you may need to search in Windows "show hidden files and folder" and enable "show hidden files, folders and drives" and hit "Apply" since that directory may be hidden and then you can delete the downloaded firmwares
 
Yes, you may need to search in Windows "show hidden files and folder" and enable "show hidden files, folders and drives" and hit "Apply" since that directory may be hidden and then you can delete the downloaded firmwares

Is that the typical thing to do? Delete it. I’ve always done over the air update but was told for this one to do iTunes. I don’t use Mac so I had to download that and not familiar with how it all works.
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Yes, you may need to search in Windows "show hidden files and folder" and enable "show hidden files, folders and drives" and hit "Apply" since that directory may be hidden and then you can delete the downloaded firmwares


Wow thanks. Found it. It was right where you said and it was hidden (had to show hidden). That file is huge. Sneaky place to put it.
 
Which is best if either ? I don't use a mac or iTunes on computer but could download to upgrade with if works better.
I haven’t used iTunes since OTA activations/updates became available years ago. iTunes was a pain back then so I haven’t missed those days. If you have a current phone and an iCloud account just do an iCloud backup before activating the new one if that’s what you’re doing. But if you’re just updating to a new iOS version it really couldn’t be simpler.

They have really taken every step necessary to make a computer unnecessary for iOS devices. I only use iTunes now for an additional backup just in case. I do any necessary restores from iCloud. If there’s a major issue you may have to resort to iTunes but I haven’t had to in years.
 
Is that the typical thing to do? Delete it. I’ve always done over the air update but was told for this one to do iTunes. I don’t use Mac so I had to download that and not familiar with how it all works.
[doublepost=1515078277][/doublepost]


Wow thanks. Found it. It was right where you said and it was hidden (had to show hidden). That file is huge. Sneaky place to put it.
Not really, iTunes will automatically delete it when a new version comes out. If you delete it and have to restore or fix your device you will have to download it again if you delete it. I would just leave it there. As for OTA, I typically use it but I close all apps then reboot the device then apply the update before doing anything else. Seems to work fine for me and never had an issue. But yeah either is fine. iTunes is pretty automatic but it will always download the entire 2.5+gb file. So if you have limited bandwidth OTA may serve you better. Also you didn't mention what device you had. You may want to stick with 10.3.3 :) Seems 11 is all over the place with issues and bugs still.
 
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