iOS 13 is Coming, So Back Up Before You Update

Now that the calendar says September, it is time once again for Apple to release their new iPhone – and loyal customers are anxiously awaiting the September 10 release of the iPhone 11.

While the launch of new products is always exciting, the crew at Cupertino is probably particularly happy that the calendar flipped, since they can talk about the product launch instead of the security concerns that dogged their August headlines. Between websites that exposed one billion iPhones to hackers and revelations that Siri requests were listened into by external contractors, the normally security-solid company can now focus on their new product and the soon-to-be-released iOS that will help fix those embarrassing security vulnerabilities.

The official release of iOS 13 is expected in the next few days. Before you upgrade, however, remember that the experts all agree that you should back up the data on your iOS 12 device before you run a system upgrade.

There are several cool enhancements being rolled out with iOS 13 – things like a system-wide Dark Mode, a revamped Photos app, a new Photo editing interface, and even a new voice for Siri. But given Acronis’ commitment to ensuring the safety, accessibility, privacy, authenticity and security of data, we’re much more excited by changes that will help improve security and privacy.

Three of these enhancements include:​

1. No VoIP apps can run in the background – We don’t know if this was triggered by the Siri eavesdropping issue, but now Voice-over-IP apps like Facebook and WhatsApp won’t run in the background: they’ll only run when you actively use them, cutting down on the info they collect about on how you’re using your device.
2. Location tracking is better managed – Technically, iOS 13 has three enhancements related to location tracking. One will notify you when apps are tracking your location and provide new control options for limiting that tracking. Another lets you stop apps from tracking you based on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections. The last can limit apps to accessing your location only once – so if an app requires your location in order to download it, you can give it once and then block it. 
3. Sign In With Apple – This new privacy feature allows you to sign in to apps and websites by using your Apple ID to authenticate your account. You don’t have to give your email address to an app since a random one will be created. App developers won’t see your real info – they get a randomly generated ID.

While many are looking forward to this upgrade, those using older iPhones will be left on their own for security. That’s because iOS 13 will not support any smartphone older than an iPhone 6 or 6+.

Five years might not seem like a long time for some users, but there are reasons why Apple won’t support these older phones. Advances in hardware, for example, enable much greater performance. But there is a practical limit to the breath of hardware a single OS can realistically support – which means devices can become outdated fairly quickly.

These phones are still expected to work following iOS 13, but users of older iPhones will not benefit from the security enhancements in iOS 13. Getting a new phone will depend on your circumstances, but if you’re concerned with security, it is better to know if iOS 13 supports your iPhone.

Whenever there is a system upgrade, you could lose data if something goes wrong once the process starts. That’s why the vast majority of experts agree that you should always back up before you upgrade.

While there is a temptation to use Apple’s native backup options like iClouds, understand that they have limitations. For example, one of the many issues with iCloud backups is the fact you’re limited to 5 GB when using their free version. If you’ve been taking photos and shooting videos on your iPhone, you’ll end up having to pay Apple to keep them protected.

A subscription to Acronis True Image 2020 delivers comprehensive protection so your iOS 13 upgrade goes smoothly. As the world’s #1 personal cyber protection solution, it ensures all of your data is safeguarded – at home or on the go.

Depending on your subscription, Acronis True Image features at least 250 GB of cloud storage, so you can back up whatever you need. Additionally, one subscription supports an unlimited number of mobile devices to ensure your entire family is protected – iPhones, iPads, and even Android devices.

And because Acronis True Image supports both iOS and Android devices, if you’ve decided to replace your iPhone 6 with an Android you can easily migrate all of your photos, videos, calendar events, etc. – and if you decide to go back to Apple when the iPhone 12 is released next year, the process is just as easy, efficient, and secure.

That flexibility extends to your laptop as well since, unlike a native tool like Time Machine, Acronis True Image supports both Mac and Windows machines.

To ensure data is protected and everything goes smoothly, Acronis is offering a 13% discount for your iOS 13 upgrade.

Simply use the coupon code ios-13 when you purchase your subscription* to Acronis True Image 2020 Advanced or Acronis True Image 2020 Premium – the discount will be applied in the cart.

To subscribe to the world’s #1 personal cyber protection solution, click here.

* Discount valid for subscription licenses only.