Three Apple devices running macOS Sequoia are displayed, with the central iMac showing a travel website and the MacBooks displaying a video call and a game.

Today, Monday, September 16th, 2024, usually around 1:00 PM EST, Apple will start rolling out its annual wave of software updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. While it’s exciting to get your hands on the new features, it’s important to know when to upgrade. Rushing in too early might cause compatibility issues or bugs that Apple usually smooths out within a couple of weeks.

Here’s a guide to help you decide when to upgrade, along with some highlights of new features in each system.

iOS 18

You can usually upgrade to iOS fairly soon after release, though it's smart to wait a week or two just in case there are early bugs. iOS 18 brings several exciting features that you’ll probably want to explore:

Messages via Satellite: This new feature lets you stay connected even without cellular or Wi-Fi service.
Home Screen Customization: You now have more control over app and widget placement, with Dark mode options and color tinting.
Control Center Upgrades: Rearrange and resize controls to your liking and group them for quick access.
Smarter Messaging: Send tapback responses with any emoji or sticker, and enjoy rich text formatting like bold and italics.

If you're using an iPhone 15 Pro or planning to upgrade to an iPhone 16, you'll also gain access to Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1, with features like smarter Siri responses, grammar correction, and even AI-generated images. But for most users, these updates will roll out gradually over time.

watchOS 11

If you’ve upgraded to iOS 18, it’s safe to follow up with watchOS 11. It includes a variety of useful features, particularly if you're into health tracking:

Vitals App: Shows detailed metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep duration with clearer insights into your health.
Customizable Activity Rings: Adjust your daily activity goals based on your schedule or temporarily pause them when needed.
Smart Stack Improvements: This feature now includes Live Activities and will intelligently suggest widgets based on your routines.

watchOS 11 also improves the Photos watch face by optimizing the display of photos and adding dynamic depth with every wrist raise.

iPadOS 18

iPadOS is generally safe to upgrade alongside iOS, especially if you rely on your iPad for productivity. The new features make iPadOS 18 a compelling upgrade:

Calculator App: A long-overdue addition, with a Math Notes feature that lets you solve equations written with the Apple Pencil.
Notes Enhancements: Live audio transcription, collapsible sections, and Smart Script to improve your handwritten notes.

The new tab bar for easier navigation across apps is also a handy addition for multitasking, making the iPad even more user-friendly.

tvOS 18

tvOS updates rarely cause issues, so it’s usually safe to upgrade within a week or two of release. tvOS 18 adds several nice-to-have features:

InSight: Get real-time info on actors, characters, and music during Apple TV+ shows, similar to Amazon’s X-Ray feature.
Enhanced Dialogue: A new feature to boost vocal clarity for a broader range of speakers.
New Screensavers: Fun new options like Snoopy and Woodstock and scenes from Apple TV+ shows.

If you don’t feel the need to rush, let your Apple TV automatically update on its own when it’s ready.

visionOS 2

If you're among the early adopters of Apple’s Vision Pro, you may want to hold off upgrading to visionOS 2 until early feedback confirms it’s bug-free. That said, the new features are worth looking forward to:

New Hand Gestures: Easier access to Home View and Control Center.
Ultra-Wide Display for Mac Virtual Display: Perfect for those who need extra screen real estate while traveling.
3D Spatial Photos: Beta testers love this new ability to convert 2D photos to 3D.

If the Vision Pro plays a critical role in your daily life, consider waiting for the all-clear from other users before jumping into visionOS 2.

macOS 15 Sequoia

Upgrading macOS can be trickier since so many of us rely on our Macs for work and personal projects. My advice: wait at least a month or two before making the leap to macOS 15 Sequoia, especially if you rely on specific apps that may not yet be compatible. Sequoia does bring some compelling new features, though:

iPhone Mirroring: Seamlessly view and interact with your iPhone directly on your Mac screen.
Window Tiling: Quickly organize windows side-by-side with new tiling shortcuts.
Video Call Upgrades: Background replacements and live presenter previews make video calls more dynamic.
Passwords App: This new app syncs your passwords securely across all your Apple devices.
(I am not quite ready to recommend using this yet, but I’ll let you know when I am, and if I think it can replace 1Password.)

Should You Upgrade?

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade comes down to how essential your devices are to your daily life. iPhones and iPads can usually handle the upgrades without major issues, but it’s always wise to wait a week or two. Macs, however, are more complex, so give Sequoia time to stabilize before making the switch. The new features in each system are worth exploring, but remember—there’s no rush. Let the early adopters iron out any issues, and when the coast is clear, enjoy your new Apple experience with confidence.

Need help or have questions?

If you have any questions about upgrading your devices or need assistance with the process, I’m here to help. Feel free to schedule some time with me by clicking here, and we can ensure everything goes smoothly with your Apple updates.

When Should You Upgrade to macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and visionOS 2?