The Potential Issues Arising from Neglecting Software Updates on Your Smartphone

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 1/1/2026

Content

Missing Out on Exciting New Features

More Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks

Risks of Performance Issues and App Glitches

Unlike the stable hardware of the past, today's phones rely on regularly updated and enriched software. The quality of the software on modern phones is always being enhanced with new features. Many buyers pay attention not only to the initial hardware quality but also to the continuous software updates that bring in new features. Many users often eagerly anticipate the arrival of patches, software updates. So, what happens if our phone doesn't update its software?

Missing Out on Exciting New Features

Undoubtedly, major software updates (usually once a year) bring a plethora of new features to your phone. The functionality of smartphones is vast and seemingly endless, and software updates are rolled out to harness that potential. Take, for example, Android 12 released last year, where Google introduced a completely revamped interface. Or iOS 15 with added widgets, and with iOS 16 on the horizon, Apple is set to completely revamp user lock screens.

Google also has an interesting approach for their Pixel phones, introducing new feature packages through Pixel Feature Drops. These are small updates aimed at enhancing the features of the phone.

More Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks

Not only adding new features, but updates also provide bug fixes for the current software of the device. Android usually receives bug fixes and is committed to support for a few years (depending on the phone manufacturer). With the recent release of iOS 16, Apple will also have security updates that will automatically be applied to the user's phone without any action required.

There are numerous ways malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities on phones, such as data theft, remote control takeover, installing malware, or remote surveillance. According to Kaspersky, 98% of mobile banking attacks occur on Android, attributed to its more open mechanism compared to iOS. However, iOS is not entirely immune; last year, Apple had to release a patch for the Pegasus spyware that could be installed on users' devices.

Risks of Performance Issues and App Glitches

Updates not only bring new features but also enhance and fix performance issues in the system, aiming to improve the overall user experience. Everything may be running smoothly without any glitches, but one fine day, a few bugs can cause apps to malfunction or crash. Sometimes, updates may even introduce errors to the system, like the glitch with the Magic Eraser feature on Pixel 6 after a software update. Google identified the issue promptly and released a patch for it. So, it's advisable to keep your devices updated regularly.

Here's a piece of advice: turn on the automatic software update feature to avoid worrying about checking for updates or waiting until your battery is full before updating (fearing issues midway). I usually enable automatic updates and select 'Do not download updates via 3G/4G (due to heavy files consuming data and time),' allowing the device to automatically download and install updates, possibly overnight. When you wake up the next morning, the device is all set and ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the consequences of not updating your smartphone's software?

Failing to update your smartphone's software can lead to missing out on exciting new features that enhance user experience. Software updates introduce new functionalities, improve performance, and provide essential security patches to protect against vulnerabilities.

How do software updates impact smartphone security and performance?

Software updates significantly improve smartphone security by fixing vulnerabilities that malicious actors may exploit. They also enhance performance by addressing bugs and glitches, ensuring a smoother and more reliable user experience with apps.

Why is it essential to enable automatic software updates on smartphones?

Enabling automatic software updates is essential as it ensures your device always has the latest features and security patches without manual intervention. This reduces the risk of missing critical updates and experiencing performance issues or security vulnerabilities.

What notable features were introduced with the latest smartphone software updates?

Recent smartphone software updates introduced notable features such as a revamped user interface in Android 12, added widgets in iOS 15, and improved lock screen options in iOS 16. These enhancements aim to optimize user interaction and experience.

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]