Common iPhone trick to upgrade your handset might not be safe, Apple chief warns

THERE’S a quick and easy way to get iPhone updates before your mates – but tread carefully.

A top Apple exec revealed this week why you might be better off waiting until new versions of iOS roll out automatically.

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Apple launches improved versions of the iPhone operating system every few weeks or so.

They largely offer bug fixes and security patches, though more significant updates add new tools and features to your device.

The vast majority of Apple fans wait for their iPhone to update automatically – the default way to upgrade your iOS.

However, some choose instead to download updates manually by heading to Settings > General > Software Update.

By doing this as soon as updates become available, users can get the latest version of iOS weeks before it rolls out automatically.

It’s a great way to get new features long before any pals of yours who wait for their iPhones to update themselves.

However, the sneaky ploy comes with a catch.

Earlier this week, a Redditor shared an email sent to him by Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior VP of software engineering.

User “Kechoopix” said he had originally messaged Federighi a question about how Apple’s auto-update platform works.

The long-time staffer said the delay in auto-updates allows Apple to get user feedback before the upgrade rolls out more widely.

The company then improves the update based on that feedback to iron out bug and other issues ahead of general release.

“We incrementally rollout new iOS updates by first making them available for those that explicitly seek them out in Settings,” Federighi wrote.

“Then one to four weeks later (after we’ve received feedback on the update) ramp up to rolling out to devices with auto-update enabled.”

So what does this mean for those who manually update? Well, you could be in for a bumpier ride.

The early rollout features more bugs and other issues than the one released to people using auto-update.

That could make for a more frustrating experience. You may consider that a small price to pay for earlier access, however.

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