![]() In some cases, mobile phone providers that sell Android smartphones also modify stock Android versions. These modifications are also referred to as manufacturer skins. These manufacturers then modify the Android software, overlay their own user interface, change the design, or add features to improve compatibility with their devices or to make the device unique in some way as a USP. Otherwise, Google sends updates to manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi, Huawei, or Oppo. Since each manufacturer is responsible for updating its operating system itself, Google only provides updates - known as Pixel updates - for its own smartphones such as the Google Pixel. This means the availability of Android software updates varies depending on the manufacturer, device, and sometimes even mobile phone provider. Unlike Apples iOS, Android - Google’s operating system and software platform - is an open-source system that many manufacturers use, modify, and build upon. Android software updates - Google’s open system That’s because the apps stop supporting older operating system versions after a few years and older app versions no longer get updated.įind out which iPhone model you have and what iOS version it’s running by opening the Settings app, tapping General, and then selecting About. However, anyone who uses an older iPhone will sooner or later run into issues not only with their system software but also with many of their smartphone’s apps. ![]() The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (release September 2014) received their last software update in 2019, and support for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus (released September 2015) ended in September 2022 - a good seven years after the phones’ initial launch. The current system version for iPhones is iOS 16.6 (as at August 2023), but iOS 17 will soon follow.Īpple generally supports its iPhones for at least five years, providing security patches for at least that long. In turn, this number is followed by more minor bug fixes (iOS 16.1.1, iOS 16.1.2, etc.). You can identify them based on their numbering, which in our example is iOS 16.1. The interim versions are released up to seven times a year and may contain a wider range of new features as well as bug fixes and security patches. They are then numbered consecutively, for example iOS 16.0.1, iOS 16.02, or iOS 16.03. These often only contain bug fixes or security patches and at most minor new features. Smaller bug fixes or security patches are released several times throughout the year. iPhone software updates fall into three categories: Updates to major versions, such as iOS 16, appear once a year in September and can include significant upgrades and change the entire system. iPhone software updates - Apple’s closed systemĪs a closed system, iOS not only offers less attack surface - meaning the number of all possible points an unauthorised user can access the system and extract data - but also the advantage that updates are immediately available to all iPhone users. When publishing their software updates, manufacturers typically say which errors are fixed, which security holes are closed, and which new features and enhancements you can now enjoy. The degree to which this happens depends on the update in question. ![]() Skipping software updates - which are also known as system updates - poses a security risk and can also mean that your smartphone and your apps will stop working smoothly.Ī software update brings your iOS or Android operating system up to date. ![]() ![]() If such security holes are discovered, the manufacturer issues security updates to close - or in technical terms, patch - them as soon as possible. Cybercriminals often exploit these weak points to inject malware into your device. Regularly updating your smartphone’s software ensures you always enjoy the latest features, fix bugs, and close dangerous security holes. ![]()
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