Read This Before You Update Your Mac or iPhone
By Steve
A simple guide to managing automatic updates and why it's smart to wait before installing major new software.
We’ve all seen it: that little notification that pops up on our phone, tablet, or computer, politely telling us, "An update is available for your device." For many of us, this message brings a mix of annoyance and anxiety. It's an interruption, and it comes with the nagging fear that the update might change things we've gotten used to, or worse, "break" something that was working perfectly fine.
These are valid concerns. However, software updates are a crucial part of keeping your devices healthy and your personal information secure. Today, let's demystify what these updates are, why they matter, and most importantly, how to handle them without stress: especially in a week with some major, and potentially troublesome, new releases!
Updates: Why Your Devices Always Want to Restart Themselves
What is a Software Update? The 'Check-Up' for Your Device
Think of the software on your device as the set of instructions that tells the physical hardware how to work. A software update is simply when the manufacturer (like Apple or Google) sends out a new and improved set of instructions. These updates generally fall into two categories:
Minor Updates: These are small, frequent "tune-ups." They mostly happen in the background and are focused on fixing small problems (called "bugs") and, most importantly, patching security holes. These are very important!
Major Updates (or Upgrades): These happen about once a year and are like getting a new model of your device's brain. They often introduce big new features and can significantly change the way your device looks and feels.
The Most Important Reason to Update: Security
While new features are nice, the number one reason to keep your software updated is for security. Hackers and scammers are always looking for new security flaws to exploit. Minor updates contain essential "patches" that fix these holes, acting like a vaccine to protect your device and your personal information from viruses and theft. This is why updating is generally a very good and necessary thing to do.
A Special Warning for This Week: It's Smart to Wait!
Sometimes, especially with major updates, it pays to be cautious and let other people find the problems first. (Thanks to my dad for pointing this out!) This week is one of those times.
For Mac Users (Today, Sept. 15): Apple is releasing a major new version of its computer software today called macOS Tahoe. Based on early reports from technology experts, this first version may be difficult to use and may be visually unpleasant to use. You may NOT want to install this update today.
For iPhone Users (Today, Sept. 15): Similarly, a brand-new version of the iPhone software (iOS) is scheduled for release today. I understand it looks VERY different from the current version, which can cause a lot of confusion. Here’s a preview from Apple:
Why You Should Wait: Think of it like a brand-new car model. You often want to wait a year for the manufacturer to work out all the kinks. The first version of a major new operating system is similar. It's often wiser to wait for the first or second "tune-up" release (which will have a name like 26.1 or 26.2) a few weeks or months from now.
How to Take Control and Turn Off Major Automatic Updates
Here’s how to put yourself in the driver's seat, ensuring you get the essential security fixes without having a big, buggy update forced on you.
On Your Mac Computer:
Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner and go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
Next to "Automatic updates," click the little info icon (ⓘ).
Uncheck the box that says "Install macOS updates."
Very Important: Leave the box that says "Install Security Responses and System Files" CHECKED. This is the key to getting the best of both worlds.
On Your iPhone or iPad:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Tap on "Automatic Updates."
Turn OFF the switches for "Download iOS Updates" and "Install iOS Updates."
Very Important: Make sure the switch for "Security Responses & System Files" remains ON.
This might be a good one to share with a friend or family member!
Quick Tech Tip
When you do decide you're ready to install a major update (after waiting a few weeks for the bugs to be fixed!), the best time to do it is overnight. Before you go to bed, make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into its charger, then start the update. It can sometimes take a while, and this way, it will be fresh and ready for you in the morning without interrupting your day.
Tech Term Demystified: 'Bug'
In the technology world, a "bug" is simply an error or a flaw in the computer's code that causes a program to behave in an unexpected or incorrect way. When a new software release is described as "full of bugs," it means it's causing problems, like apps crashing or features not working properly. The small follow-up updates (like a ".1" or ".2" version) are primarily released to "squash" these bugs.
Good News Byte
The process of updating software is becoming more seamless and less disruptive. Many modern devices can now apply small, critical security updates silently in the background without requiring you to stop what you're doing for a full restart. This "hotpatching" technology means your device can stay more secure without constantly interrupting you with that "Restart Now" message.
Did You Know?
The term "computer bug" was famously popularized in 1947 by engineers at Harvard University working on an early computer called the Mark II. When the massive, room-sized machine stopped working, they investigated and found that a real-life moth had gotten trapped in one of the machine's electrical relays, causing a short circuit. They carefully removed the insect and taped it into their logbook with the note: "First actual case of bug being found." The term has been used for software errors ever since!
(This is an actual picture!)
Your Turn to Take Control!
Given the news this week, your task is an important one. Go to the Software Update settings on your Mac and iPhone using the steps above. You don't have to change anything if you don't feel comfortable, but just look at the options for "Automatic Updates." Confirm that you know how to turn the major updates off while leaving the crucial security updates on. Knowing where the switch is gives you the power to decide when to update.
Wishing you a week of stable software,
Steve