I timed how long it took to update to iOS 26 vs Android 16 — and the results shocked me
Since my job involves dealing with phones, I spend a lot of time updating the software — especially during beta software season.
One of my longstanding complaints has always been that iPhone updates take too long, especially during the reboot phase, but I never actually sat down and figured out how long the phone was out of commission.
Turns out my love of complaining got the better of me. After timing how long it takes to install the iOS 26 developer beta compared with Android 16, I realized that Apple updates aren't nearly as bad as I thought.
Or, at least, they're a lot less intrusive than they used to be. And apparently faster than updating to Android 16.
Android and iPhone updates aren't all that dissimilar, once they're actually available that is. Apple devices, of course, have much easier access to new software on account of the sheer number of Android phone makers and the fact they all control if and when updates are released.
The whole process involves downloading updates, optimizing the device and then actually physically installing it. The key difference is that a lot of Android phones have an update feature pioneered by Google Pixels, where all the updating is done behind the scenes.
Once that whole process is finished, the phone does an ordinary restart. This should take the same amount of time as any other restart. iPhones on the other hand take things differently, and once the restart process begins you need to sit and wait for a progress bar to fill up — during which the phone is totally unusable.
It hasn't always been this way, but Android's seamless update feature has been around since the release of Android 7. Not every phone maker got on board right away, and Samsung didn't include this until the release of the Galaxy S25, but for the most part it's made Android updates a little less painful.
But as I found out, they're no faster at getting things done.
As sensible as it might be to simply update my phones overnight, I tend not to do that. Mainly because a big part of my job includes testing out new features (or bugs) that come with new updates. So I usually end up triggering them manually, and then having to sit and wait while the software gets itself ready.
Don't get me wrong, mobile updates are not fast — it doesn't matter which platform you're using. What always bugged me was that iPhone updates always seemed to cut you off from your phone for much longer.
But as I timed the whole process, with a simultaneous install of Android 16 and the iOS 26 developer beta, I found that my attitudes may have been slightly wrong. Not only did the iPhone update take significantly less time than Android, the phone was only out of commission for about 10 minutes.
That's a lot longer than my Pixel 9 Pro, which restarts in around 45 seconds, but it's not as long as I'd actually thought. I can go 10 minutes without access to a phone, and it's highly unlikely that anything that does come through while the phone is restarting is so important that it can't wait 10 minutes.
Overall the iOS 26 update, which, according to The Times of India, is around 15GB, was done within an hour. Meanwhile the Android 16 update, which included the June Pixel Drop, took an hour and a half — even though the file size was around 1.5GB — 10 times smaller.
That's pretty poor performance from Google, I have to say, and it seemed to be because my Pixel spent quite a long time processing the update after it had been downloaded. Which is not ideal.
If you're going to sit and wait for devices to update, then you're going to have a bad time.
It's a long, tedious process that is better suited to being done overnight when you're asleep. It doesn't actually matter which platform you use, the only reason not to do this is because you're a bored phone critic that needs to see if his Pixel is going to get bricked for no apparent reason.
But at least I now have the peace of mind that, despite the extra downtime, iPhone updates are not as bad as I had always assumed. Maybe it's down to Apple improving the process, or maybe I'm just extremely impatient.
Either way it means I can get on with my day, and start complaining about the true evil update mastermind: Windows.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
31 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
Storage Prices Are Going Nuts, Grab a New Samsung MicroSD Card With Adapter for Early Prime Day
Save 36% and get 512GB of super-fast storage for your smartphone, drone, digital camera, gaming console or handheld, and more. Storage prices, to put it politely, have been all over the place lately. You could get motion sickness watching them rise and fall and rise again, and there's of course the ever-present threat of tariffs that would suddenly balloon the prices of storage and many other tech goods. So when the roller-coaster of storage pricing rolls downward, it's smart to grab some while you can. Now's a good time, if Amazon's 36% off deal on the Samsung EVO Select MicroSD memory card and adapter is any indication. The new $35 sale price on the EVO Select 512 MicroSD card and adapter is an awesome opportunity to add fast, reliable storage to so many of your tech devices. It's compatible with Samsung's Galaxy smartphones and tablets, of course, but also most other Android smartphones and tablets with a MicroSD slot. It's also compatible with iOS devices and iPads, and it's the default storage for drones and digital cameras. That's just for starters. See at Amazon So Tiny Yet So Big The Samsung EVO Select MicroSD card is smaller than a postage stamp, yet the 512GB storage capacity might be even larger than you'd imagine. How big is it? You can store 30 hours of 4K videos on it, or 80.5 hours of full HD videos — if you're a GoPro or drone enthusiast, that will be of particular interest. Still photographers or anyone looking to free up storage on their smartphone or tablet will appreciate the fact they can store over 207,000 4K photos or over 270,000 HD photos on that teeny card. The included adapter lets you fit the EVO Select MicroSD card into SD card slots, which comes in enormously handy if you're using an older laptop or desktop computer. With that much capacity, it's also a great accessory to move files from an older computer to a newer one or to different storage. Virtually Unkillable If the idea of moving so much of your precious photo and video artistry onto such a small and paper-thin chip makes you nervous, remind yourself that Samsung has been the world's No 1 flash memory brand since 2003, and the EVO Select MicroSD card is remarkably tough. It can withstand up to 72 hours submerged in seawater, extreme temperatures as low as -40 degrees or as high as 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and is a true beast when it comes to tolerating x-rays or magnets. The average lifespan of up to 10,000 swipes is as close to a lifetime of use as you can get. Predicting where the price of portable storage devices these days is a fool's errand, but you can be sure that the current Amazon sale that's offering the 512GB version of Samsung's EVO Select MicroSD card and adapter for just $35 is well worth hitting the buy button on. See at Amazon
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Gaming Monitor of Your Dreams Just Got a $400 Discount
This site may earn affiliate commissions from the links on this page. Terms of use(Opens in a new window) . At a certain point, you stop buying monitors and start building command centers. The Samsung 49" Odyssey OLED is one of those screens that makes regular setups look like toys. This thing is massive, wild, and ready to swallow you whole in pixels, and right now, it's down to $1,199.99, which knocks 25% off the usual $1,599.99. If you've ever wanted your screen to physically curve around your life, now is your chance. Let's start with the obvious: the 49-inch curved OLED panel is not subtle. This monitor is vivid, insanely sharp, and has that near-instant 0.03ms response time that makes fast-paced gaming feel teleport-level smooth. The 240Hz refresh rate isn't just a spec; it makes even the most chaotic battle royales or racing games feel like you're inside the game, not just watching. You also get all the fancy tech that separates this monitor from the knockoffs. G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility keep visuals buttery with no annoying stutters or tears. The 1800R curvature wraps the world around you without making your neck sore, and the height-adjustable stand actually lets you customize your setup without a stack of books. And don't sleep on the details. With this deal, you've got Dolby Atmos sound, razor-thin bezels, and a 3-year warranty baked in for peace of mind. This monitor looks just as good off as it does on, and it has no problem pulling double duty as a showpiece and a workhorse. At $1,199.99, the Samsung Odyssey OLED is the kind of upgrade you'll still be bragging about six months from now. It's not just a monitor, it's a whole mood, and that $400 saved makes it feel like a justified splurge. If you want more ways to make your screen setup as ridiculous as your ambition, we've got even more in our gaming monitor deal roundup.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Amazon Prime Day prep: 15 early tech deals you can't afford to miss
Amazon Prime Day prep: 15 early tech deals you can't afford to miss These are wired for early savings! Summer officially means it's time for 4th of July BBQs, beach days, vacations and all sorts of fun in the sun! And to truly make the most of it, you'll want the best tech deals to enhance your experience. Imagine having that perfect portable speaker to blast your favorite tunes at the beach, a tablet with an anti-glare screen for effortless e-book reading by the pool or the latest lightweight laptop to take your work or summer projects with you wherever you go. With tech deals being in high demand and Amazon Prime Day 2025 fast approaching (officially kicking off on Tuesday, July 8th, and running until Friday, July 11th), we're already seeing some of the hottest early Prime Day tech deals available on Amazon right now. To help you find all the best tech discounts, down below, we've highlighted 15 of the best offers you can grab right now. Top 15 early Prime Day tech deals you can grab now 1. Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro Using this smart remote allows you to control the power, volume and surf live TV with dedicated channel buttons. Save 29% at Amazon 2. Blink Outdoor 4 Blink Outdoor 4 Camera System This camera system includes three Outdoor 4 cameras to have the best angle of hard-to-see spots in your yard. Save 62% at Amazon 3. Roku 65-Inch Plus Series 4K QLED Smart TV Roku 65-Inch Plus Series 4K QLED Smart TV This smart Roku TV features stunningly sharp 4K resolution, bringing out the rich detail in your entertainment. Save 34% at Amazon More: Amazon Prime for Young Adults is back! Do you qualify for the discount? Find out here 4. Amazon Fire TV 65" Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV 75-Inch Omni QLED Series This TV features built-in microphones, just ask to turn on the TV, and find, launch and control content, so you can put down the remote. Save 48% at Amazon 5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite This tablet has an included S Pen, crystal-clear display and Dolby Atmos surround sound, making this reliable tablet all about fun plus a little work. Save 23% at Amazon 6. Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker This waterproof speaker is designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and can even float, making it perfect for the beach or pool. Save 43% at Amazon More: Apple deals just dropped: Save on AirPods, iPads and MacBooks ahead of Prime Day 🍎 7. Soundcore Anker Motion Boom Bluetooth Speaker Soundcore Anker Motion Boom Bluetooth Speaker This high-quality portable speaker is fully waterproof and floats in water, making it the perfect accessory for a day out at the beach. Save 31% at Amazon 8. Beats Studio Buds Beats Studio Buds These earbuds feature up to eight hours of quality listening time (up to 24 hours combined with the pocket-sized charging case). Save 33% at Amazon 9. Beats Solo 4 Beats Solo 4 These highly-rated over-the-ear headphones offer up to 50 hours of battery life. Save 35% at Amazon More: Stay in the know: Sign up for USA TODAY Shopping text alerts today 10. Beats Studio Pro Beats Studio Pro These headphones offer one-touch pairing and a robust set of native Apple and Android features. Plus, they have up to 40 hours total battery life. Save 49% at Amazon 11. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds These earbuds offer the most advanced headphones with secure-fit earhooks that stay locked on. Save 20% at Amazon 12. Ring Battery 2-Pack Doorbells Ring Battery 2-Pack Doorbells These doorbells offer live view and two-way talk, real-time alerts on your phone when motion is detected and convenient recharging. Save 50% at Amazon More: 15 early Prime Day deals you can already grab 13. Samsung 27-Inch S39C Series FHD Curved Gaming Monitor Samsung 27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor This curved monitor features AMD FreeSyncTM and built-in speakers to deliver seamless gaming sessions. Save 39% at Amazon 14. HP 2025 New Student Business Laptop HP 2025 New Student Business Laptop This laptop has 16GB DDR4 RAM to ensure seamless multitasking, allowing you to switch between open applications with ease. Save 72% at Amazon 15. Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop The MacBook Air delivers the same incredible performance with up to 18 hours of battery life. Save 15% at Amazon What is Amazon Prime Day 2025? Prime Day is Amazon's annual members-only shopping event. It offers limited-time deals, lightning deals, and exclusive discounts on products across nearly every category. It's basically like Amazon's Black Friday sale, but in the middle of summer. When is Amazon Prime Day 2025 happening? Amazon has officially revealed that the Prime Day 2025 sale will run from Tuesday, July 8, through Friday, July 11. The official Prime Day savings start at 12 am PT/3 am ET on Tuesday, July 8. Are there any early Amazon Prime Day deals? Yes! Amazon typically rolls out early Prime Day deals in the weeks leading up to the main event. USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the early discounts and live deals during the sale, so be sure to follow along! What deals can I expect during Amazon Prime Day 2025? Aside from Amazon Prime Day being twice as long as previous years, the sale is introducing Today's Big Deals, which will consist of daily themed drops featuring top offers exclusive to Prime members. The savings start now, with three weeks of early deals across categories. Do I have to be an Amazon Prime member to shop Prime Day deals? Yes, you must be an Amazon Prime member to access most deals. How much does an Amazon Prime membership cost? New members can try one week of Amazon Prime benefits for just $1.99. After that, Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
