7 Reasons Not to Update to iOS 7 on Release Day

The iOS 7 release date is at hand with Apple scheduled to talk iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and iOS 7 at tomorrow’s iPhone event in Cupertino. At the event, we should hear about the iOS 7 release date and as exciting as that is, there are plenty of reasons why iPhone and iPad users might want to think about avoiding iOS 7 on its release day.

Tomorrow, Apple is set to take the stage in Cupertino to announce several new products, rumored to be the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C. And while much of the focus is going to be on the new iPhones, there will certainly be some talk about Apple’s new operating system, iOS 7, which is scheduled to bring a massive changes to Apple’s software for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Instead of just adding hundreds of new features like it has done in the past, iOS 7 also will be coming with a redesign for owners of Apple’s mobile products. Owners of the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, and iPhone 4 will be seeing changes to the look of the overall user interface and the stock apps that are contained within, including the camera app and Siri.

It’s an update that is being described as the biggest change to iOS since the release of the first iPhone, a testament to just how big Apple thinks these changes are.

Soon, Apple will release iOS 7 to the public. We know that based on history which suggests that Apple will deliver an iOS 7 release date tomorrow for owners of its older devices. Rumors suggest that the iOS 7 release could come as soon as tomorrow though we expect it to be delivered sometime in between September 10th and September 20th, the latter being the rumored iPhone 5S release date.

And while there will be great excitement amongst iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners, there are some owners that will want to hold off on downloading it on release day, either out of principal or out of necessity.

Here, we take a look at who shouldn’t install Apple’s new iOS 7 on release day.

If You’re Jailbroken

Simply put, iPhone and iPad owners who are jailbroken on iOS 6 or below, should avoid updating to iOS 7 in order to keep their device jailbroken.

While iOS 7 will be bringing some features that should be enticing to those that may have jailbroken their device on iOS 6 and below, as we’ve pointed out, there are still some reasons to remain on a jailbroken iPhone or iPad.

There is progress being made with an iOS 7 jailbreak but there is no chance that it’s going to be available on release day or any time right after it. Instead, we expect to have to wait until at least iOS 7.1 before we see an iOS 7 jailbreak roll out.

Precedent

iOS 6 saw its fair share of bugs, just like the iOS updates before it. We’ve seen issues ranging from battery life issues to Wi-Fi problems plague iOS 6 users on both the iPhone and iPad. iOS isn’t alone. Software updates from companies like Apple, Google and more typically have a bunch of bugs on board, even after extensive testing.

The iOS 7 beta period likely wiped out many of the bigger issues, but we still plan to see a collection of iOS 7 bugs and issues arise on release day. Expect battery life to be one of those issues. Last year we saw Passbook become unusable for some users right from the get-go, only to see those issues solved in the days after.

So for those that are currently experiencing a relatively bug free experience on iOS 6.1.4 or below, it might be worth holding off until iOS 7 reviews emerge in the days after its release date, or, perhaps until iOS 7.0.1 which should come a few weeks after release and be aimed at any bugs that are plaguing the initial release.

To Avoid Any Installation Issues

We often see installation issues arise on iOS release dates, either due to Apple server issues or due to other errors that pop up during the installation process. Chances are, many iPhone and iPad owners won’t encounter issues, we’ve seen Apple prepare better for iOS updates and we’ve seen errors slim down, but there is still a chance that some users will encounter problems.

Those who don’t wish to deal with any of the nonsense that sometimes accompanies the installation process on release day, can simply remain patient, and wait until the issues are ironed out or solved. iOS 7 won’t be going anywhere and those who wait can install a day or two after the initial rush to grab Apple’s iOS 7 software.

If You’re Traveling

Those who are traveling may want to hold off on installing iOS 7 to their iPad or their iPhone. For one, there could be issues that affect files on board either device. This is particularly troublesome for travelers who haven’t backed up their data. If something were to go wrong, not having easy access to a personal computer could make things more difficult than they already would be as well.

Those who are reliant on their phone or tablet when traveling should think twice about installing while on-the-go to avoid any issues that could hamper the progress of a trip.

Simply wait for the trip to be over, rely on iOS 6, and install when ready.

If You’re Unprepared

Speaking of being ready, iPhone and iPad users who aren’t prepared for the iOS 7 update should hold off on installing the software on day one. Users who won’t have time to back up their data, clean up their device, get iTunes upgraded and more, will likely want to think about holding off until all of that is done. Users who have little space on their phone might also want to think about holding off so that they have more time to determine how to best free up space for iOS 7.

Maybe more importantly, those who aren’t familiar with iOS 7 might want to hold off and read up on the big changes that will be coming with the software. For many, iOS 7 is going to be a surprise, a shock, as it is vastly different looking than iOS 6. Things will be different places, stock apps that have been the same for years will have different functionality and different looks.

The best way to acclimate to the software is by using it, but there are those that might benefit from a little extra time reading up on the update before finally taking the plunge.

If You’re Using a Work Phone

In the past, we’ve seen iOS 6 updates cause havoc for owners who are using a company iPhone. We’ve seen Exchange issues occur with iOS updates and we’ve seen folks run into battery life issues with their work phone on days when problems are unacceptable.

So, those who are using an iPhone as a work phone may want to hold off until iOS 7 bugs can be established and until a company gives the go-ahead to install the software, something that may not necessarily come on day one.

If You Have Critical Apps

Many iPhone and iPad users use applications to get them through the school day or workday. And while developers have started updating their applications for compatibility with iOS 7, there will likely be some that don’t get updates by the time iOS 7 arrives which could mean that they will not be agreeable with Apple’s new software.

For those are rely on apps throughout the day for work flow or something else, it’s going to be best to hold off on installing iOS 7 until an app is updated with support or if reviews indicate that the coast is clear.