Why is it important to check your IOS version on your iPhone?
Checking the IOS version on your iPhone is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to determine whether your device is up to date with the latest operating system. IOS updates often contain bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features that enhance the overall user experience. Therefore, running the latest IOS version means that you will have access to the newest features that make your phone more versatile and fun to use.
Additionally, running outdated operating systems on your iPhone can compromise the security of your device. Apple regularly releases security patches with each IOS update that address vulnerabilities in previous versions of the operating system.
Running outdated IOS versions could expose your phone to threats that could be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to your data and personal information.
Checking your IOS version also helps you diagnose any issues that you might be experiencing on your device. Some bugs may be caused by glitches or incompatibilities between the software and the device hardware. Running the latest IOS version can sometimes fix these issues. Similarly, compatibility issues can arise when trying to run apps that require a certain version of the IOS operating system.
Checking your IOS version is a quick and easy process. Once you know your IOS version, you can explore the features that come with it and troubleshoot any problems that you experience on your device.
How to Check Your IOS Version on Your iPhone in 4 Easy Steps
Your iPhone’s operating system, or IOS, is the engine that powers your device. It’s important to keep your IOS version up-to-date to ensure your phone runs smoothly and securely. Here are four easy steps to check your IOS version.
Step 1: Open Settings
To check your IOS version, first, go to your home screen and tap on the Settings icon. It looks like a gear wheel. Once you’ve opened Settings, you’ll see several options listed in a menu.
Step 2: Go to General
In the Settings menu, you should see an option for General. It usually has an icon that looks like a gear wheel. Tap on General to go to the next step.
Step 3: Tap on About
Once you’re in the General menu, scroll down until you see an option called About. Tap on it to get more information about your phone, including your IOS version.
Step 4: Check Your IOS Version
Under the About menu, you should see a section called Software Version. This is where you’ll find your IOS version. The number listed is your current IOS version. If an IOS update is available, you will also see an option to update your software.
If you’re having trouble finding your IOS version, try searching for “Software Version” in the Settings search bar. If your phone is running an older version of IOS, it’s important to update it to ensure the best performance and security options.
Now that you know how to check your IOS version, you can keep your iPhone up-to-date and running smoothly. Remember to check for updates regularly to ensure that your device runs at its best.
Common IOS versions in the market and their differences
As of September 2021, Apple has released 18 major IOS versions since the first iPhone’s launch in 2007. While each update comes with new features and enhancements, their differences lie in their compatibility, performance, and security. Here are some of the most common IOS versions in the market along with their unique features and differences:
IOS 14
Launched in September 2020, IOS 14 has a major design overhaul, with redesigned widgets and an app library that organizes apps based on their categories. IOS 14 also introduces privacy-related features, including location permission for apps, an indicator showing when an app is accessing your microphone or camera, and the ability to limit access to selected photos in your gallery.
Another new feature in IOS 14 is App Clips, which allows users to interact with certain features of an app without downloading or installing it. It’s designed to give users a quick taste of what the app can do before they decide to download it entirely.
IOS 14 is compatible with iPhone 6s and newer models and iPod touch (7th generation).
IOS 13
IOS 13, released in September 2019, introduced Dark Mode, a feature that changes the overall appearance of your device from light to dark. It also had performance improvements, a revamped Photos app, and Sign in with Apple, a privacy-focused authentication system that provides Apple ID authentication without disclosing personal information to third-party apps.
In IOS 13, Apple also improved the security by introducing a feature that blocks unknown callers or sends them directly to voicemail. IOS 13 is compatible with iPhone 6s and newer models and iPod touch (7th generation).
IOS 12
IOS 12, released in September 2018, had performance improvements and stability fixes, making the iPhone faster and more responsive. One of the highlighting features of IOS 12 was Screen Time, which allowed users to monitor and limit their app usage and set restrictions on certain content. IOS 12 is compatible with iPhone 5s and newer models and iPod touch (6th generation).
IOS 11
IOS 11, released in September 2017, brought significant changes to the iPad experience, including a new app dock and the introduction of the Files app. It also had new features like Do Not Disturb While Driving mode, a One-Handed mode for easier accessibility, and Augmented Reality capabilities. IOS 11 is compatible with iPhone 5s and newer models and iPod touch (6th generation).
IOS 10
IOS 10, released in September 2016, brought significant changes to Siri, including third-party app integration, contextual understanding, and better voice recognition. IOS 10 also introduced iMessage features, including animations, stickers, and emojis, and raised the iMessage platform’s stakes. IOS 10 is compatible with iPhone 5 and newer models and iPod touch (6th generation).
IOS 9
IOS 9, released in September 2015, introduced Split View multitasking for iPad, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously on the same screen. It also had a more proactive Siri, contextual search, and a Low Power Mode for better battery performance. IOS 9 is compatible with iPhone 4s and newer models and iPod touch (5th generation).
To check your IOS version, go to Settings > General > About, and look for the version number. Suppose your device’s software is up to date. In that case, you’ll see ‘Your software is up to date’ or ‘This version only shows when the software on your device is up to date.’ The IOS version number is in the format ‘iOS [version number].’ For example, if your device is running IOS 14.7.1, you’ll see ‘iOS 14.7.1.’
Outdated or unsupported IOS versions: What are the risks?
Using an outdated or an unsupported IOS version on iPhone can pose significant risks and can make the device more vulnerable to security issues and glitches. Here are four major risks of using outdated or unsupported IOS versions:
Risk 1: Security vulnerabilities
One of the major risks of using an outdated or unsupported IOS version is the security vulnerabilities that are primarily common in such versions. These vulnerabilities can range from minor errors to significant security glitches that can have severe consequences for the user. A security vulnerability can open doors for hackers to get access to sensitive information such as passwords, private messages, and credit card details, among others. When Apple discovers a security issue, they usually make a security patch available as part of the new IOS version updates that address the security problem. To keep your iPhone secure, it is crucial to update to the latest IOS version.
Risk 2: App incompatibility
Another significant risk of using an outdated or unsupported IOS version is the app incompatibility that can create problems for the user. Apps that work correctly on a newer IOS version may not be compatible with an older version. When developers update their apps, they often stop providing support for older versions of IOS, which means that users with older versions won’t be able to access new features or improvements. By updating your IOS version regularly, you can ensure that you have the latest version of all your favorite apps and software that work perfectly on your iPhone.
Risk 3: Lower performance and battery life
Running an outdated or unsupported IOS version can lead to lower performance and battery life of your iPhone. IOS updates usually come with performance improvements that make your iPhone faster and more efficient. By running an older IOS version, you may encounter issues such as lagging, freezing, and crashing. Additionally, older IOS versions may not be optimized for longer battery life, causing your battery to drain faster and requiring more frequent charging. Keeping your IOS version up to date can help ensure that you get the best possible performance and battery life from your iPhone.
Risk 4: Lack of support and repair
Apple offers support and repair services for iPhones, but these services are only available for iPhones with supported IOS versions. If you are running an outdated or unsupported IOS version and encounter any problems with your device, you may not be able to receive support or repair services. This means that if your device experiences any issues, you may not be able to get it fixed by Apple or an authorized service center. By keeping your IOS version up to date, you ensure that you have access to all the support and repair services from Apple or an authorized service center.
In conclusion, regularly checking the IOS version on your iPhone and updating to the latest version can help ensure better security, app compatibility, performance, battery life, and access to repair and support services. To avoid the risks of using an outdated or unsupported IOS version, make it a habit to check for and install new IOS version updates regularly.
How to check IOS version on iPhone
If you are wondering how to check IOS version on your iPhone, you can do so through the device’s settings menu. Here are the steps:
- Unlock your iPhone and go to “Settings”.
- Scroll down and select “General”.
- Tap on “About”.
- Scroll down to the “Software Version” tab.
- The IOS version of your iPhone should be displayed on this tab.
Another way to check the IOS version on your iPhone is through iTunes. Here are the steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Launch iTunes.
- Select your iPhone icon that appears in iTunes.
- Click on the “Summary” tab.
- The IOS version of your iPhone should be displayed under “Software”.
How to update your IOS version on your iPhone
It is important to update your IOS version on your iPhone as updates provide enhanced security, bug fixes, new features and improved performance. Here are the steps to update your iPhone’s IOS version:
- Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network. This is because software updates can require a lot of data and can be expensive if you don’t have an unlimited data plan.
- Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Tap on “General”.
- Select “Software Update”.
- If there is an available IOS update, you will see a “Download and Install” button. Tap it.
- Agree to the terms and conditions by tapping on “Agree”.
- Your iPhone will begin downloading the update. The download time depends on the size of the update. You can use your iPhone while it is downloading – just be sure to leave the Settings app open.
- Once the download is complete, tap on “Install”. Your iPhone will restart and install the update. The process can take about 30 minutes.
Note: If your iPhone has low battery, it is recommended to charge it before updating the IOS version. You can update the IOS version overnight while your iPhone is charging.
If you don’t have the option to update your iPhone through the steps above, it means that your iPhone may be too old and no longer supported by new IOS updates. You may want to consider purchasing a new iPhone that supports the latest IOS version for better performance and security.
