iPhone 13 users should avoid installing Apple’s iOS 17, warns Apple specialist

In a recent viral TikTok video, Tyler Morgan, a self-proclaimed former Apple sales specialist, who goes by the handle @hitomidocameraroll on TikTok, has issued a cautionary message to users of iPhone 13 and older models. He strongly advises them to refrain from updating their devices to the latest operating system, iOS 17, asserting that this update has given rise to significant issues for older iPhone models. Morgan’s video, which was uploaded on September 17 and has since garnered over 4.6 million views, delves into his personal experiences with iOS 17. He reports facing numerous challenges, including app crashes, sluggish performance in media apps like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Netflix, as well as connectivity issues, particularly Wi-Fi problems. According to Morgan, these issues appear to be deliberate on Apple’s part, with the company seemingly prioritizing newer iPhone models with each update, thereby leaving older devices with a suboptimal user experience. The former Apple employee goes on to explain that while iOS 17 introduces new features like NameDrop and StandBy mode, it significantly hampers the performance of older iPhones. Morgan contends that iOS 17 was primarily designed with the iPhone 15 in mind, and while it may function on iPhone 14, users of iPhone 13 and older models are likely to experience performance issues. Contrary to Apple’s persistent encouragement for users to regularly update their devices, Morgan emphatically asserts that the iOS 17 update is “absolutely not” necessary for older iPhones. He posits that this practice of optimizing updates for newer models has been ongoing since the iPhone 4 era. Regarding Apple’s response to this matter, New York Post reports that when contacted for a comment, the tech giant has remained silent. Morgan, however, clarifies that iOS 17 is not entirely incompatible with older iPhones, but users can anticipate a sluggish and problematic user experience. Furthermore, he raises concerns about the impact on battery life, indicating that older iPhone owners may find themselves needing to charge their devices three to four times a day. Tyler Morgan advises iPhone users to carefully evaluate their overall phone experience before proceeding with an update. He underscores that if users are content with their current iOS version, it might be prudent to stick with it. He contends that newer iOS updates are not well-optimized for older models, potentially making users feel that their one-year-old phones are outdated. While some TikTok users have reported using iOS 17 on older models without any issues, Morgan’s warning serves as a reminder that upgrading to the latest iOS version may not always ensure a seamless experience on older devices. Users are encouraged to weigh the potential benefits against the drawbacks before deciding whether to update their iPhones. (With input from agencies)