Apple’s iOS 18.1 is here, alongside another iPhone update, iOS 17.7.1. Both iOS 18.1 and iOS 17.7.1 can be applied to newer iPhones and the two upgrades include a list of important security fixes.
You need to update to either iOS 18.1 or iOS 17.7.1. So which iPhone update should you choose?
The Case For iOS 18.1
Apple’s iOS 18.1 marks the iPhone maker’s first foray into AI with Apple Intelligence, which has given many users a reason to upgrade. It also features other iOS 18 capabilities such as the brilliant Passwords App, which I am a big fan of.
At the same time, iOS 18.1 comes with a big list of 28 security patches covering serious flaws in the iOS operating system that could allow an attacker to take control of your iPhone. Some of these affect the Kernel at the heart of iOS and WebKit, the engine that underpins the Safari browser.
The list of security fixes included in iOS 18.1 is twice as long as iOS 17.7.1’s. When Apple issues new software, it only keeps the older version — in this case iOS 17.7.1 — up to date with important security fixes. For this reason, iOS 18 is better overall for your security.
The iOS 18 upgrade has been available since Sept., so you’ve given Apple time to iron out any early teething bugs. On top of security patches, the iOS 18.1 update also includes bug fixes for issues including a random iPhone 16 reset bug.
The Case For iOS 17.7.1
I get it — lots of people wait at least a month to update to major new software like iOS 18 to allow any early bugs to be sorted. You also want to make sure your apps are working optimally, especially if you use your iPhone for business. For anyone who falls into this category, it makes sense to stay on iOS 17 and choose iOS 17.7.1.
At the same time, you might have an older device that doesn’t run iOS 18, or the AI features might not work on your iPhone. Others are waiting for iOS 18.2 in a month or so and the first chance to use its ChatGPT-powered features.
Apple’s iOS 17.7.1 still includes key security upgrades, so it’s fine to stick with it for the time being.
iOS 18.1 Or iOS 17.7.1 — Which Update To Choose
Which update you choose is down to you, but for your security, it’s important that you update to one of them. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency agrees — the agency has issued a warning recommending that all iPhone users upgrade to iOS 18.1 or iOS 17.7.1.
“Apple released security updates to address vulnerabilities in multiple Apple products,” the CISA warning reads. “A cyber threat actor could exploit some of these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system. CISA encourages users and administrators to review the following advisories and apply necessary updates.”
You need to update to either iOS 18.1 or iOS 17.7.1 as soon as you can. So, what are you waiting for? Go to your Settings > General > Software Update and download and install iOS 18.1 or iOS 17.7.1 now.
