How long does it take to download iOS 17?

iOS
1

Just started downloading iOS 17 on my iPhone, and it’s been quite a while. The download seems to be taking longer than usual, and I’m wondering if this is normal. Is anyone else experiencing delays? How long should this normally take?

2

Downloading iOS 17 can be a bit of a hassle depending on several factors. It’s not unusual for it to feel like it’s taking forever, but let’s break down some reasons why this might be happening, and what you can do to potentially speed things up.

  1. File Size: iOS updates are known to be quite hefty. iOS 17 might range around 1.5 GB to over 5 GB depending on your device and current version. The larger the file, the longer it can take, especially over slower internet connections.

  2. Internet Connection: Speaking of which, ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable and sufficiently fast. A typical household Wi-Fi should be fine, but if you’re noticing significant delays, it might be worth running a speed test. You might want to check other devices using the same network or even switch to a different network if possible.

  3. Apple’s Server Load: If iOS 17 was just released, tons of people are probably trying to download it at the same time, putting a load on Apple’s servers. Things tend to calm down a few days after the initial release, so waiting a bit might help.

  4. Device Storage: Ensure you have enough free space on your iPhone. Not just for the download but also for decompression and installation. If you’re running low on space, the whole process can slow down considerably.

  5. Background Apps & Processes: Other apps running in the background can also slow down the download speed. Try closing all apps or restarting your phone before starting over.

  6. Update Path: If you’re updating from a very old iOS version, the update process might take longer since it needs to patch and reconfigure more components. Incremental updates tend to be quicker and smoother.

Step-by-Step Check List:

  • Internet Speed: Perform a speed test. Optimize your Wi-Fi settings or try using a different network.
  • Device Storage: Clear some space if necessary. Go to settings > General > iPhone Storage, and see what’s taking up space.
  • Background Apps: Close all unnecessary apps running in the background.
  • Apple Servers: If it seems due to server load, try updating during off-peak hours (late night or early morning).
  • Device Restart: Restart your iPhone to clear any potential glitches stuck in RAM.

If after all these steps it still seems stuck, you might wanna do a hard reset of your phone (holding the power button and home button simultaneously on older models, or the side button and volume button on newer models) can sometimes resolve any lingering issues.

Remember, you could also use iTunes on a Mac or PC to download and install the update. This might sometimes be faster as it uses a wired connection.

Note, delays can be frustrating but they’re often a combination of these issues. I’ve found that patience is key, and if all else fails, sometimes simply waiting it out is the best course of action.

Is anyone else experiencing the same delay with iOS 17? Any tricks you used to speed things up? Share your experiences!

3

Honestly, these iOS updates always take forever. It’s almost like Apple wants us to think our devices are slow so we’ll run out and buy the latest iPhone. Ever thought of that? I mean, sure, @byteguru gave some good points, but this sluggishness seems more like Apple tactics than just “server load” or “internet speed.”

Look, even if you close all your background apps and have the world’s fastest Wi-Fi, it still drags. Plus, has anyone considered that using iTunes is just transferring the problem to your computer? More hassle if you ask me.

And what’s this about waiting for “off-peak hours”? That’s nonsense - it’s 2023, Apple’s servers should handle these loads. If Android can push updates without all this drama, why can’t Apple? There’s also the rumor that older devices are deliberately slowed down by new updates. Whether it’s a myth or not, it seems mighty suspicious.

Maybe it’s time we accept that updates will be slow and aggravating, no matter the steps we take. The best “trick”? Get used to it, or think about alternatives. Anyone else fed up with this?

4

If you just started downloading iOS 17 and it’s taking forever, you’re definitely not alone. A couple of points to add to what @techchizkid and @byteguru mentioned:

  1. Firmware Update Size over Version Jumps: If you’re upgrading from something like iOS 14, the jump to 17 could be especially brutal on size and processing time. Smaller jumps between versions tend to be quicker. The backend must patch and reconfigure a ton more components, adding considerable time.

  2. Apple’s CDN Networks & ISP Peering: Believe it or not, where your ISP connects to Apple’s Content Delivery Networks can affect your download speeds. Some ISPs may have better peering agreements or network setups with Apple than others. If possible, try switching to mobile data for a portion of the download just to see if that speeds things up. Yeah, it’s gonna eat up your data plan, but sometimes mobile data can be faster than a congested home Wi-Fi—crazy I know.

  3. Apple Diagnostics Download: Before you freak out about server load or your Wi-Fi speed, check whether the download is part of a larger diagnostic or analytics download package. Sometimes Apple adds these ‘little’ additions that are data-heavy.

  4. Old Cable Issues: If you decided to opt for downloading and installing via iTunes (like @byteguru suggested) and are experiencing delays there too, the fault could lie in your USB cable. Older cables tend to be less reliable at maintaining steady data transfer rates, which could be contributing to the slow download.

  5. Battery Health: Less common, but sometimes if your iPhone has degraded battery health, the device slows itself down during high-power tasks like a major OS download to prevent unexpected shutdowns. It’s worth checking your battery health in settings.

Now, let’s talk experience: I’ll throw myself in here based on a personal experience from updating my iPhone. Last year when iOS 16 dropped, it took ages to download. Was tempted to believe all those conspiracy theories about Apple intentionally slowing down older iPhones. What I did to speed it up was using my employer’s high-speed business network at an odd hour (no one else on it). It cut the download time from perceivably endless to just 30 minutes. Not everyone has access to high-speed business networks, but find somewhere with rock solid Wi-Fi or the best mobile data you’ve got, ideally at 3 AM when fewer users are online.

Honestly, patience is vital here. It’s odd that despite all the advancements, these downloads can still be a massive pain. If things keep getting stuck or dragging on, a call to Apple support might be your last resort, though let’s be real, they’ll probably just walk you through the same steps mentioned here.

So… is anyone else facing these lagged downloads or have any other quirky solutions to share? Any myths busted or confirmed by real-world experience?