Today Apple released iOS 11.1, watchOS 4.1, tvOS 11.1, and macOS High Sierra 10.13.1. These updates bring some anxiously awaited fixes for the big updates that Apple released in September, and I can finally say that these upgrades are, in my opinion, finally ready for the masses. If you have compatibility concerns such as Microsoft Office 2011 or custom software that has not yet been fully tested you may need to address that first, but by and large I feel I can confidently recommend that nearly everyone install these upgrades, especially because this is the only way to get the Wi-Fi KRACK security hole patched on iOS (macOS 10.11 and 10.12 got security patches today to fix that security hole).
Problems with speed on older devices and battery drain seem to have been addressed. Apple also returned the feature that allows 3D-Touch for switching apps.
As always with any upgrade you should be sure that you have a full backup before installing. No software is perfect and issues are rare during upgrades but it’s no comfort how rare a problem is when it happens to you. So please check to make sure you are backed up before installing the update.
To update your devices
- iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch): Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
- watchOS: First update your iPhone, then on your iPhone tap the Watch app > General > Software Update. This update might take about an hour to install and will require you to leave your Apple Watch on the charger.
- tvOS: Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update.
- macOS:
- If already on High Sierra 10.13: Click the Apple menu > App Store > Updates (or click here to jump straight to the page). After the page loads click the Update or Update All button. The download may take quite a while (about 5 to 10 minutes on cable/fiber or around 2 to 3 hours on DSL) during which you can use the computer (though internet access will be slower. After it downloads you will be prompted to continue the installation. Your Mac will restart and install, during which you won’t be able to use the computer for about 20 to 40 minutes.
- If not yet on High Sierra 10.13: Go to the Apple menu > App Store and locate High Sierra. Click the download link, or click this link to go straight there. The download may take quite a while (about 5 to 10 minutes on cable/fiber or around 3 to 6 hours on DSL) during which you can use the computer. After it downloads you will be prompted to continue the installation. Your Mac will restart and install, during which you won’t be able to use the computer for about 40 to 60 minutes.
- If on macOS 10.9.5 or earlier: First download and install macOS 10.11 El Capitan, then after that upgrade process go back to the App Store to get the High Sierra 10.13 upgrade.