iOS: Apple activates auto-update of its operating system
Apple wants users to update their iPhone faster. Although this can be switched off, it is now pre-activated.
Screenshot of software update after iOS 18.4: Automatic update active.
(Image: Mac & i)
If users update their operating system quickly, this has many advantages: they receive new features immediately and are also up-to-date in terms of security. Nevertheless, there are some reasons to wait for updates: Be it incompatibilities with existing applications, unwanted changes by the manufacturer or the fact that some major updates can make older devices run more slowly. However, Apple is now trying to encourage users to activate automatic updates. Anyone who is not careful when installing iOS 18.4, which was released on Monday, will have the function forced on them. Apple had also previously tried to ensure that the auto-update was activated “voluntarily” with appropriate user guidance.
All updates automatically after update
With iOS 18.4, however, this is now even more of an issue. Once the update is complete, this appears in large letters (see lead image): “Your iPhone has been updated to iOS 18.4.” Below this, however, the company also writes this: “Future software updates will be downloaded and installed automatically as soon as they are released.”
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And further: You can manage this “in the software update settings”. If you press the big “Continue” button at this point, you have activated the auto-update. If you don't want this, you have to select the very small text “Only download automatically”, as you probably did before.
Reminders for Apple Intelligence
Apple aims to ensure that as many users as possible opt for the automatic update. This is not a bad idea in principle, but it also has disadvantages. Very few people are likely to undo a setting once it has been made. What's more, the auto-update does not necessarily mean that updates land on the iPhone really quickly: Apple rolls them out in stages. So it can certainly be quicker to update manually if you really want an update.
Apple's approach of activating functions without users necessarily wanting them is reminiscent of Apple Intelligence. Here, Apple had also started to activate the AI system automatically after updates. Not all users want this “service” either, especially as it eats up storage space.
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(bsc)
