The iOS engineers at Apple have had a busy few days. Shortly after the iPhone Should You Update to iOS 17.2.1? update was released, which included several bug patches as well as new features like the Journal app, Apple released iOS 17.2.1, which, well, we’re not really sure what this update improved.
Many readers have asked questions about this enigma, wondering what could be in this update.
Contrary to popular belief, Apple is not yet finished with its 2023 software updates. Although the first beta versions of iOS 17.3 are now available, it was anticipated that iOS 17.2 would be followed by iOS 17.3 in January. However, Apple has now published a modest but urgent update, iOS 17.2.1 for the newest phones and iOS 16.7.4 for older models, which includes bug fixes. That’s all there is to it.
Who is it for, and how do you get it?
Apple iPhones running iOS 17—that is, devices starting with the iPhone XS and up, such as the iPhone XR, the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and the most recent iPhone 15 series—are compatible with iOS 17.2.1. It also covers the second- and third-generation iPhone SE models. Updates are available automatically, but if you click on Settings, then General, then Software, you’ll probably get them on your iPhone sooner.
Apple iOS 17.2.1 Security
There’s a good chance that this has security updates. It is noteworthy that iOS 16.7.4, a different release tailored for older iPhone models, was also made available at the same time and has a similar release schedule. This version supports the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus, in addition to later models. That might mean that security patches are being implemented because it is less probable that bug fixes will benefit both the iOS 17 and iOS 16 software versions.
Apple, should you update to iOS 17.2.1? Final Verdict: Update
As things stand right now, updating seems like the prudent course of action in case there are any security fixes. Over the next three days, I’ll be closely monitoring and making sure to include any breaking news. Thus, kindly check back.
Final judgment: Update. The responses to this update have been incredibly diverse. While some have praised the longer battery life, others have complained that their previous issues have not been resolved. The problem is, though, that there hasn’t been much consistency, indicating that although there are problems, none of them are severe enough to prevent you from upgrading. Seldom do remarks claim that anything has become worse.
Updating seems to be the safest course of action, although we are unsure if this bug addresses any security vulnerabilities (Apple has just said that bug remedies exist).
Which iPhones can run iOS 17.2.1 and iOS 16.7.4?
This compatibility list is the same for iOS 17.2.1 as it is for all phones that have adopted iOS 17 since its introduction in September. To put it another way, the iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and XR from 2018, as well as every variation of the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 models. It also covers the second- and third-generation iPhone SE models.
What’s In The Release
This new version is primarily about security, unlike iOS 17.2, which included a ton of new features that you can read about here. In its release notes, Apple usually stays mum and says just, “This update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all users.” However, there is a separate remark for iOS 16.7.4, as MacRumors reports: “This update addresses a problem wherein integrated Apple apps that might have been removed might not reinstall.” Although this is not a regular problem, it may be quite inconvenient if it occurs, and since so
many people have updated to iOS 17, it probably occurs more frequently.
top NameDrop from automatically sharing your contact info
By just putting your iPhone close to another iPhone or Apple Watch, you may instantly exchange contact information via AirDrop, thanks to the new NameDrop feature in iOS 17. NameDrop receives your phone number, email address, and other information along with your name and Contact Poster (which is new with iOS 17).
There have been complaints from certain users about NameDrop releasing information against their will. NameDrop might try to sync your contacts, for instance, if you often place your iPhone close to another iPhone. NameDrop may try to transfer contact information across two iPhones in your bag if you carry one for personal usage and the other for business. This can be a nuisance if you’re not intentionally using the feature.
Hide notifications in StandBy
Arguably one of the most significant additions to iOS 17 for the iPhone is the StandBy feature, which transforms your phone into a smart display while it charges horizontally and presents information in large, clear blocks, including the clock, your calendar, photographs, and notifications. While StandBy is a terrific way to rapidly scan through information by quickly looking at your phone, you might not want StandBy to display notifications if you want to keep some information private when others are present.
Turn off the “Show Notifications” setting under Settings > StandBy. You will no longer be able to see all of your alerts when in standby mode. In standby mode, important messages, such as weather situations will continue to display.
What if I need help keeping a journaling schedule?
Do not be afraid: The app has a journaling reminder feature. When you launch Journal for the first time, a splash screen asks you to create a timetable.
Go to Settings > Journal > Journaling timetable and press the switch next to Schedule if you want to adjust your timetable or if you don’t see this splash screen. Below Schedule, you’ll see a menu where you can create a reminder to journal every day, on specific days, at a specific hour.
Conclusion
Apple has released iOS 17.2.1, a minor update for the newest iPhones, and iOS 16.7.4 for older models, which includes bug fixes. The update is compatible with iPhones running iOS 17 and covers the iPhone XS and up, as well as the second- and third-generation iPhone SE models. Updates are available automatically, but users can access them by clicking on Settings, then General, then Software.
Security updates are likely included, as iOS 16.7.4, a different release tailored for older iPhone models, was also released at the same time. While some users have praised the longer battery life, others have complained about unresolved issues. The compatibility list for iOS 17.2.1 and 16.7.4 is the same for all phones that have adopted iOS 17 since its introduction in September.
FAQS
What does iOS 17.2 1 do?
The iOS 17.2.1 release notes in English state cryptically that “this update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all users,” yet the release notes in Chinese and Japanese seem to address a patch for a battery depletion issue.
Should I upgrade to iOS 17.2 1?
According to Apple, “This update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all users,” which is what the update description on your iPhone says. However, it’s unclear what bug changes iOS 17.2.1 addresses because Apple hasn’t provided comprehensive release notes online for the upgrade.
Is iOS 17.2 1 safe?
It is stated by Apple in the update itself that iOS 17.2.1 is “recommended for all users” and includes “important bug fixes.” It is unexpected that iOS 17.2.1 was released so quickly. Less than two weeks have passed since Apple released iOS 17.2, which included several important security upgrades along with a ton of amazing new features.
Should I update my iPhone to iOS 17?
All well and good, but if you want to be extra safe, consider upgrading to iOS 17, Apple’s most recent operating system, as it gets a lot more security patches than iOS 16. According to security expert Josh Long, you should update to iOS 17 if your iPhone is capable of running it and you are concerned about security.