Pros and cons of updates

Like anyone interested in tech, I get a little excited about new software updates for my phone or laptop.

A software update can breathe new life into a device, adding in cool new tricks and digitally lifechanging features. But the initial excitement of an update fades quickly as I usually start complaining as my brain works to adjust to a new digital look.

The new fonts look funny and the app logos don’t look quite right, and things have moved.

Also, it always feels like my device runs just a little slower once the new update is installed. Everything seems to lag a bit as I click or tap, and I start wondering if I should roll back the update.

Owners of iPhones go through this each year as Apple updates its operating system. Apart from the odd glitch – such as a large file size for iOS 8 – its updates are successful. The majority of iPhone owners download the latest update each year. Its new version is now available.

Android users are much less likely to update their phones and are also less likely to get an update. That’s because the smartphone manufacturers determine if and when an update happens, even though Google releases a new version of Android each year. It also means fewer people run the latest version.

Microsoft probably has the worst track record of software updates. Its Windows 8 was disliked by many users and the company and consumers were all relieved when Windows 10 finally arrived two years later.

But despite all the grumbles about software updates, they’re a good thing and you should eventually aim to install them, though it’s OK to wait a few weeks.

Tech companies will promote all the new features – some fun (new emojis), some useful (better user interface) and others terrible (Windows 8 charms) – but often it’s what you don’t see that is the most beneficial. The most obvious example of this is security. Having the latest version of software won’t prevent your device from being compromised but it will reduce the chances.

So next time you update the software on a device, don’t panic that it looks a bit different and feels a bit slow. Before you know it you won’t even remember what the old version looked like.

Often it's what you don't see that is the most beneficial.