iPhone running iOS 13, but is it worth updating iOS 12? This is not good news 2019.


 Who is this for?
IOS 13 removed support for two generations of iPhone, so iOS 13.1 will work on iPhone 6S and later. Compatible devices should receive a request for automatic updates, but if they weren’t, go to Settings> General> Software Update. Beta testers, if you are using a newer version of iOS 13 when you read this, remember to deploy your iPhone or iOS 13.1 will not be displayed.

 iOS 13 was a disaster. Numerous bugs were discovered, as well as gaping security flaws, and the fact that iOS 13.1 fixing many of them (more in the next section) makes it a vital update. However, everyone who still works with great iOS 12 should stay in place, because although iOS 13.1 maybe better than iOS 13, it is not very good on its own.

 iOS 13.1 also seems to be experiencing problems with third-party applications and devices, in particular with wireless chargers that have slower charging speeds. Apple has confirmed that a “full access” keyboard error has also been fixed.

 So what do you get?
As always, Forbes member David Phelan has a detailed list, but here's a quick summary:

  • The mysterious U1 chip inside the iPhone 11 (manual), iPhone 11 Pro (manual) and iPhone 11 Pro Max (manual) has been activated, which allows you to direct these phones to each other to make an AirDrop file. 

  • Shortcut Automation - The IFTTT for iOS version allows users to use the shortcut application to automate certain actions after completing others. For example, automate the sharing of your ETA with a family member when you start navigating to their home.
  • Sound sharing is delayed with iOS 13, this allows AirPods and Beats with H1 or W1 chips to exchange audio from one iPhone to two pairs of headphones. Excellent when traveling


  • Volume UI - configured to show when headphones are connected
  • Emojis - Some Minor Design Changes

But these are bug fixes that are the real point of iOS 13.1. Apple 22 lists fixes for Apple ID, calendar, camera, contacts, iCloud, mail, messages, notes, reminders, Siri, and the shared sheet. Obviously, the above reports show that some of them were not successful.

Verdict Apple iOS 13.1: update from iOS 13, avoid with iOS 12

iOS 13.1 is a quick fix for a hasty release, and that doesn't mean it's great software. Therefore, anyone who is still working with one of the latest polished builds of iOS 12 should stay away. I warned that fixing all issues in iOS 13 would require more than one update.

On the other hand, everyone who rushed to iOS 13 or bought a new iPhone 11 model should immerse themselves in iOS 13.1, because it is better than what you have now. If that sounds like a curse with little praise, then that's because it is.

Road ahead

He will fully expect Apple to release iOS 13.1.1 in the next 2-4 weeks, and will not rule out another 5-6 iOS 13 updates by the end of the year. When the generational issue is a bug fest, the first 3 months are spent playing the Whac-a-mole. So buckle up for a ride.