At 1 a.m. on September 16, iOS 26 came with Apple's "liquid glass design" blown to the sky. But it's more cool than the new features, and more people stare at the screen and tremble: Can my iPhone still fight? XR and XS users were directly sentenced to "death sentence", the 11 series barely prolonged their lives, and SE2 users were ecstatic and panicked. Don’t just call Apple “planned scrapping”. These 6 pitfalls are really fatal – 8GB update package can eat up your memory, WiFi updates become bricks in minutes, and data without backup may evaporate directly. Today's article is not about teaching you how to update it, but about teaching you how to get off the "operating table" of iOS 26 alive.
1. Apple's "Hongmen Banquet": Is your iPhone suitable for the table?
When Apple's official website threw out the list of "iPhone 11 series updates", XR and XS users' phones suddenly became less delicious. Someone found out that the XS Max that I bought in 2018 cost 10,000 yuan, and now I don’t deserve the system update. I was so angry that I wanted to smash my phone to Apple’s headquarters - but think about it calmly, this is not the first time Apple has “killed people and heartbroken.”
From the iPhone 6s supporting the 5th generation system to the iPhone X for only 4 years, Apple's "elimination pace" is getting faster and faster. This year, it is even more ruthless: the iPhone 11 series has become the "goalkeeper", and XR and XS users are kicked out directly. Don’t believe what the official said “does not affect basic use”. If the system update is missing, it is like running naked on your phone: Alipay may crash next year, WeChat will not be able to scan the QR code for the year after next, and you can’t even think about the security patch.
The most heart-wrenching thing is the iPhone SE2 user: it is obviously a 2020 model, but it can upgrade iOS 26 with the iPhone 16 series. Netizens complained: "How is this elimination based on year? It is clearly based on Apple's inventory clearance strategy!" It is recommended that XR users go to Apple stores to raise their signs: "My XS Max can be fought for another three years, so why are you sentenced to death?"
2. 8GB update package="Memory Assassin": Is your iPhone's belly big enough?
Apple said that the iOS 26 update package is "about 8GB", but actual measurements found that the actual download + installation requires at least 12GB of space. What is this concept? It is equivalent to 2,000 photos on your phone, 50 episodes of "The Legend of Zhen Huan", or 3 Honor of Kings clients.
beta2 11.4G
Open "Settings-Universal-iPhone Storage Space", and a group of people were stunned: WeChat occupied 20GB, photos occupied 15GB, and even "system data" mysteriously swallowed 10GB. Don't rush to delete photos! Learn this trick first:
Test this wave of operations can free up 5-8GB, but if it is still not enough, don't blame me for not reminding you: Apple has long turned "memory anxiety" into a business - the 64GB version of iPhone 15, and the official website is still selling it!
3. "Backup" is not a multiple-choice question: 90% of people die at this step
Every time the system is updated, there are always netizens who post crying: "After the update, all the WeChat chat records are gone!" "The photos of the baby in the album disappear!" Apple's official website uses bold fonts to write "Backup, backup, backup again", but there are always people who think "I have never had any problems with my phone."
Listen to me, now stop what you are doing and turn on iCloud backup:
If you are a "senior player", it is highly recommended to use iTunes wired backup: after connecting to the computer, press and hold the Shift key to click "Backup" and select "Encrypt local backup" - this step can protect your health data and WiFi password, which is more reliable than your boyfriend at critical moments.
Don't be lucky! When iOS 25 was updated last year, some users only completed 50% of the backup because of insufficient iCloud space. After the update, the address book went back to three years ago - it was equivalent to falling in love with the current person, but the contact information of the ex was contained in the mobile phone, so embarrassed that they wanted to change their life on Earth.
IV. WiFi update=Suicide attack? Apple's "network trap" is too ruthless
Apple's official website blew up "OTA wireless update", saying "you can upgrade when you lie down." But the real situation is: WiFi at 1 a.m. may be more congested than the subway during the morning rush hour - hundreds of millions of iPhone users around the world squeeze the server at the same time, and your update package may be "half of the downloads" at any time.
At this time, someone said, "I use 5G to update!" Wake up! The 8GB traffic fee is enough for you to buy two cups of milk tea. When the 5G signal fluctuates, the update package verification fails, and the phone becomes bricked directly.
The safest way is: use iTunes on the computer to update it wired. The steps are as follows:
If you really don't have a computer, then update it after 3 a.m. - Test that this time point is the least stressful server, and the update speed is 3 times faster than 1 a.m. By the way, don't answer the phone when it is updated! Last year, a blogger updated iOS 25 live broadcast, but was interrupted by a courier's phone call and his phone was stuck in the white Apple. The data was restored after 3 days of repairing.
5. Liquid glass design="the emperor's new clothes"? Old users scolded and commented on the comment section
Apple press conference blew the "Liquid Glass Liquid Glass Design" to the sky: "richer layers", "more agile light and shadow", and "full of futuristic sense". However, after actual testing, iPhone 11 users collectively broke the defense:
More ironic, Apple's official website marked "iPhone 11 series supports iOS 26", but did not say "smoothness is not guaranteed". Some netizens posted a comparison picture: After upgrading iPhone 11, it takes 3 seconds to turn on the camera, while the same phone that has not been upgraded only takes 1 second.
How is this "new look"? It is clearly "equipped with new engines for old cars" - it looks cool and may break down at any time when driving. It is recommended that iPhone 11/12 users not be anxious to update, and wait two weeks later to see the "iOS 26.0.1 repair patch", otherwise you may become a living experimental product for Apple's "negative optimization".
6. Three things to do after the update: otherwise 8GB of traffic will be wasted
If you successfully get through the first 5 levels, congratulations! But don't think it's over. The "pit" of iOS 26 is hidden in the details:
Finally, let me tell you a cold knowledge: iOS 26 secretly added "System Advertising" - open "Settings-Privacy and Security-Apple Advertising" and turn off "Personalized Advertising". Otherwise, you just finished searching for "baby milk powder" on Taobao, and the lock screen of your phone will pop up "diaper discount", which is more caring about your life than your mother.
Conclusion:
The iOS 26 update is essentially a "sweet trap" that Apple gives users: the new features are like sugar coatings, and the elimination strategy behind them is the shells. iPhone XS users don’t scold you. Your phone has been fighting for 6 years, and it’s longer than most love. iPhone 11 users should not be proud. iOS 27’s turn may be your turn next year; as for iPhone 15/16 users - cherish the current fluency, after all, half of the money you spend is to give the future “elimination tax”.
Finally, I would like to send you a heartfelt word: Technology products are always iterating, but data and memories are priceless. Before the update tonight, remember to tell some of the old photos and chat records on your phone - after all, when you wake up tomorrow, they may disappear into the code of iOS 26 with half of your youth.
(Now, go back up now!)"
