Apple iOS 17.7 Or iOS 18 New iPhone Software: Should You Upgrade?

Updated Sept. 23 with details of touch issues arising on iPhone.

You wait for ages for a new iPhone software update and two come along at once. Apple released iOS 18 and iOS 17.7 at the same moment on Monday, Sept. 16. Before my final update this Thursday, Sept. 26, there’s been a new report of iPhone 16 Pro users experiencing issues with the touchscreen, and it now seems this is affecting earlier iPhones, too.

By definition, this refers to iOS 18, as that’s what all the iPhone 16 models have pre-installed when they are shipped, and it looks like the earlier phones are running the new software.

Although users on Reddit are reporting that the screen is becoming in certain areas, especially near to the part of the display that’s next to the new Camera Control on the latest hardware.

As MacRumors comments, “The root cause appears to be an overly sensitive touch rejection algorithm in iOS 18, designed to ignore accidental touches.” It’s possible that the thinner borders on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could exacerbate any issue which seems to be that palm rejection is preventing the input of any other touches.

I have to say this is not happening on any iPhone 16 model I’ve been able to try, though it clearly is a thing, as shown by a user on Mastodon here.

This demo suggests that the issue is software- rather than hardware-based and in the last few hours Apple has released a new iOS 18 update specifically for the iPhone 16 series. Currently, there’s no indication whether the update is to address this, though it’s possible. More as we have it, and it doesn’t yet seem widespread enough for me to change the initial verdict below.

The new releases are iOS 18, the all-new next-gen update and the other, iOS 17.7, is more of a security update for those who want to keep their iPhones safe but don’t want to trust to the first version of a big new release. I’ll be discussing both here and I’ve waited a little longer this time as with a big whole-number release can mean a longer wait and update issues perhaps can take longer to surface.

I’ll be updating this post over the next week to take into account any problems that arise, so please check back. The final assessment will be on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Who Is It For And How Do You Get It?

Apple iOS 17.7 is compatible with all iPhones that can run iOS 17, that is, handsets from the iPhone XS onwards. And, just to make your choice that bit harder, iOS 18 is available for exactly the same line-up of iPhone.

ForbesiPhone 16 New Secret Feature Could Save Time And HeadachesBy David Phelan

Updates are available automatically but you may find you have it on your iPhone sooner if you click on Settings, then General, then Software Update.

What It’s About

There’s an awful lot that’s new in iOS 18, not least paving the way for Apple Intelligence, coming in October. There’s rather less in iOS 17.7, but there are still a lot of bug updates—as detailed by Forbes Senior Contributor Kate O’Flaherty here.

Apple iOS 17.7 and iOS 18 Security

The security issues are the same in both releases. They include fixes to the Kernel, which is at the absolute heart of the operating system, issues in Shortcuts, one in Mail Accounts and more. While many are minor, there’s no such thing as a no-value security issue. If in doubt, iOS 17.7 is a good way to go.

Initial Reactions

Very positive, in a nutshell. One user said that iOS 17.7 was “buttery smooth and cold as ice even while updating.” The cold bit, I think, refers to the iPhone not overheating as it can in some updates. Another commented about iOS 18, “A new release is almost always halfway between beta and stable.” About iOS 18, many were happy, saying things like, “18.0 is shockingly stable on my 13 Pro Max if it helps.”

Apple iOS 17.7 And iOS 18 Initial Verdict: Update

Things are looking remarkably good so far, though I’ll be watching closely over the coming week. If you’re unsure about iOS 18, definitely go for iOS 17.7. Those iOS 18 features will be waiting when you’re ready. Please check back next Thursday.