Time is money—especially for business owners. With the constant evolution of technology, staying updated is more than an option—it’s a necessity. iOS updates, a key to Apple’s ecosystem, play a vital role in maintaining top-notch security and optimal performance. But here's the million-dollar question every entrepreneur faces at some point: Should you opt for automatic iOS updates or stick to manual updates? 

This blog will help you weigh the pros and cons of both, understand their impact on your business, and decide which strategy best suits your operations. 

Understanding Automatic and Manual iOS Updates

Defining the Two Approaches 

• Automatic Updates automatically download and install updates for iOS devices when connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and idle. This is a "set-it-and-forget-it" solution designed for convenience. 
• Manual Updates require users to manually download and install updates, providing complete control over when and how the update process occurs. 

Pros and Cons 

Automatic Updates 

• Pros: 
• No extra time or effort required. 
• Helps ensure you’re always protected against the latest security threats. 
• Ideal for non-technical users. 
• Cons: 
• Updates may install at inconvenient times, possibly disrupting your workflow. 
• You may be unable to prepare for compatibility issues with certain apps or business software. 

Manual Updates 

• Pros: 
• Complete control over when updates are installed. 
• Ability to check for known issues before applying updates. 
• Cons: 
• Regular updates may be delayed or forgotten. 
• Requires active management, costing time and effort. 

How It Works on Different iOS Devices 

On Apple devices, both methods are available through the Settings app. Automatic updates can be enabled under Software Update, while manual updates require users to periodically visit this section and scan for updates.

The Importance of Timely Updates for Business Owners

Protect Your Data and Systems 

Outdated software is an open invitation for cyberattacks. Apple regularly releases patches that address vulnerabilities exploited by hackers. A single missed update could potentially leave confidential business data exposed. 

Enhance Productivity and User Experience 

It’s not just about security—iOS updates introduce new features, productivity tools, and performance improvements. For teams that rely on iPhones and iPads, timely updates can mean faster apps, smoother multitasking, and fewer frustrating glitches. 

Security: Automatic vs. Manual Updates 

The Case for Automatic Updates 

Automatic updates are ideal for ensuring your devices receive immediate protection against recently identified threats. Apple often releases emergency patches for “zero-day vulnerabilities”—bugs actively exploited by cybercriminals. By enabling automatic updates, business owners can minimize the risk of delayed installation. 

The Case for Manual Updates 

However, caution may be warranted in specific cases. Some updates have been known to inadvertently introduce bugs. For example, past updates have temporarily caused app crashes or battery issues. Manually updating allows your IT team to vet updates before applying them, ensuring stability across devices critical to daily operations. 

Performance: Automatic vs. Manual Updates 

Automatic Updates and Performance Enhancements 

Apple frequently optimizes device functionality with iOS updates. Automatic updating ensures your entire fleet of devices benefits from faster app responsiveness, smoother animations, and, in some cases, extended battery life. Regular updates also maintain compatibility with the latest apps and software. 

Performance Challenges with Manual Updates 

While manual updates allow you to time installation to avoid interruptions, lagging behind updates can impact performance. Devices left on old software may become sluggish over time as apps require newer versions of iOS. This is particularly problematic for collaborative environments where seamless performance is critical. 

Best Practices for Business Owners 

Choosing the Right Strategy 

Here’s a breakdown of how to decide which method works best for your business setup: 

• Go Automatic If: You want convenience and peace of mind knowing all devices are up-to-date without manual intervention. This approach works well for smaller businesses without dedicated IT teams. 
• Opt for Manual If: Your business runs critical software that needs to be tested for compatibility before applying updates. Regular IT oversight ensures stability when updates are introduced in controlled stages. 

Smooth Update Management Tips 

• Train Your Team: Regularly educate employees on the importance of updating iOS and identifying early signs of performance issues. 
• Test Updates in Phases (for manual users): Have an IT member trial updates on a single device to check for stability before rolling it out company-wide. 
• Set Update Schedules: For manual updates, establish dedicated times—perhaps monthly—when updates will be checked and applied. 

Keep Your Business Efficient with POINT 

No one understands the unique challenges of managing business technology better than we do. POINT’s team of experts can help you decide which update strategy is perfect for your company. Not only that, but we’ll ensure seamless implementation so you can focus on what matters—growing your business. 

Contact POINT now to get the most out of your Apple devices.