Do iOS Updates Take Up Storage?
As we eagerly await the latest iOS updates, a common concern lingers: do they take up storage? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of iOS updates and explore the impact they have on our precious device storage.
Do iOS updates take up storage? A straightforward answer
Yes, iOS updates do take up storage. But before we dive deeper, let’s clarify what happens during the update process. When you update your iOS device, the new code is installed, and some files are removed or updated from the previous version. This can result in a temporary increase in storage usage.
What happens during an iOS update?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the update process:
- Download and Preparation: The update downloads and extracts the new iOS code, which can temporarily occupy more storage space.
- Installation and Configuration: The installation process copies the new code into the device’s storage, replacing or updating existing files.
- Cleanup and Optimization: The device removes or compresses redundant files, freeing up storage space.
The impact on storage: estimated and actual
To understand the extent of the impact, let’s consider some estimates and actual case studies:
- Estimated impact: Apple’s own documentation suggests that each iOS update can temporarily increase storage usage by up to 1.5GB. This is due to the extraction of new code and temporary files created during the update process.
- Actual case study 1: A study conducted by 9to5Mac found that the iOS 14 update increased storage usage by an average of 2.3GB on iPhone 12 devices.
- Actual case study 2: A test conducted by Macworld using an iPhone 11 device showed an increase of 1.8GB in storage usage after updating to iOS 14.
Factors that influence storage usage during updates
Several factors can contribute to the overall impact on storage:
- Device model and capacity: The type and capacity of your device can affect the update’s impact on storage. For example, a 64GB iPhone might experience more significant storage fluctuations than a 128GB or 256GB device.
- Previous storage usage: If your device has high storage usage before the update, it’s more likely to experience a more significant storage increase during the update process.
- New features and apps: Depending on the update, new features or apps might be introduced, which can also affect storage usage.
- System and software complexity: The level of complexity in the new iOS version, including new features and bug fixes, can impact the update’s storage requirements.
Mitigating the impact
To minimize the impact of iOS updates on storage, consider the following:
- Regularly clean up your device: Remove unnecessary files, photos, music, and other data to free up space.
- Optimize your device’s storage: Use built-in tools, such as Storage & iCloud Usage in Settings, to manage your device’s storage.
- Consider a larger device or external storage: If you’re constantly running low on storage, consider upgrading to a device with more capacity or exploring external storage options.
- Backup and clean up after updates: After updating, take the time to review your device’s storage usage and clean up unnecessary files to maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, iOS updates do take up storage, but the impact can be mitigated by understanding the process and implementing strategies to manage storage usage. By regularly cleaning up your device, optimizing storage, and considering external options, you can maximize your device’s potential and minimize the impact of updates on your storage.
Additional Resources:
- Apple Support: iOS Update and Restore
- 9to5Mac: iOS 14 update size increases averaged 2.3GB on iPhone 12 devices
- Macworld: iOS 14 update: How much storage space does it require?
Additional Tips:
- Use built-in Siri shortcuts to free up space by creating custom actions for multiple files deletion or photo management.
- Turn off Automatic Download in Settings > [Your Name] > Storage & iCloud Usage > Manage Storage to disable automatic app downloads for unnecessary apps.
- Regularly review and update your device’s storage plan to free up space.