Iphone 5s On Ios 10 Should I Finally Update To Ios 11 Or Will It Brick My Phone

The iPhone 5s, once a flagship device, remains in use by thousands who value its compact design and reliable build. If you're still running iOS 10 and have been avoiding the iOS 11 update out of fear that it might slow down your phone—or worse, brick it—you're not alone. Apple officially supports the iPhone 5s up to iOS 12, but iOS 11 was already a turning point in terms of performance for this aging hardware. So, is it safe to upgrade now? And what happens if you do?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: compatibility, real-world performance after the update, backup essentials, and whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Let’s take an honest look at what upgrading means for a five-year-old device.

Understanding iOS 11 Compatibility with iPhone 5s

Apple confirmed that the iPhone 5s is compatible with iOS 11. Released in 2012, the 5s was the last model to feature the 4-inch screen and Touch ID fingerprint sensor before Apple shifted toward larger displays. It runs on the A7 chip—the first 64-bit processor in any smartphone—which technically met the minimum requirements for iOS 11 when it launched in 2017.

However, compatibility doesn’t guarantee smooth performance. While Apple designed iOS 11 to work on the 5s, early reports highlighted significant slowdowns, app crashes, and longer load times compared to iOS 10. The operating system introduced more animations, background processes, and visual effects that strained older hardware.

Tip: Always check your available storage before updating—iOS 11 requires at least 1.5GB of free space, which can be tight on a 16GB iPhone 5s.

Will Updating Brick Your iPhone 5s?

“Bricking” refers to rendering a device completely unusable—unresponsive, stuck on a logo, or failing to boot. In most cases, updating your iPhone 5s from iOS 10 to iOS 11 will not brick it. Apple’s over-the-air (OTA) updates include safeguards like rollback mechanisms and checksum verification that prevent corrupted installations under normal conditions.

That said, problems can arise if:

• The update process is interrupted (e.g., power loss during download/install).
• Your device has less than 50% battery or isn't connected to Wi-Fi.
• There are underlying hardware issues (e.g., failing NAND memory).

In rare cases, users reported being stuck in recovery mode after attempting the update. However, these were typically resolved using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina+) to restore the device.

“Updating older iPhones carries some risk, but bricking is extremely rare with proper preparation. Always back up first.” — David Chen, Senior Mobile Technician at FixIt Pro

Performance Reality: iOS 10 vs. iOS 11 on iPhone 5s

To understand the real impact, consider how users experienced the transition. Many found that while iOS 11 brought new features like Files app, improved multitasking on iPad, and better iCloud integration, the iPhone 5s struggled with basic tasks post-update.

A 2018 survey by TechInsider showed that among iPhone 5s users who upgraded to iOS 11:

• 68% noticed slower app launches.
• 52% experienced increased app crashes.
• 41% saw reduced battery life.
• Only 23% felt the update improved their experience.

iOS 11 demanded more RAM management and GPU usage than iOS 10, pushing the limits of the 1GB RAM and PowerVR G6430 GPU inside the 5s.

Metric	iOS 10 Performance	iOS 11 Performance
App Launch Speed	Fast (avg. 1.2s)	Sluggish (avg. 2.5s)
Battery Life (8hr use)	~30% remaining	~18% remaining
System Animations	Smoother transitions	Frequent stutters
Background App Refresh	Reliable	Often delayed or failed

Step-by-Step: How to Safely Update Your iPhone 5s to iOS 11

If you’ve decided to proceed, follow this sequence to minimize risk and preserve your data.

1. Back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes. Connect to Wi-Fi and ensure the backup completes successfully.
2. Free up storage: Delete unused apps, old messages, and photos. Aim for at least 2GB free.
3. Charge your phone to at least 80%, or keep it plugged into power during the update.
4. Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Avoid public networks or spotty connections.
5. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Wait for iOS 11 to appear.
6. Download and Install. Do not interrupt the process once it begins.
7. Wait for restart. The first boot may take 3–5 minutes.
8. Test core functions: Calls, messages, camera, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Tip: If the update fails or your phone freezes, force restart by holding Home + Sleep/Wake buttons for 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a teacher in Portland, had been using her iPhone 5s since 2014. She stayed on iOS 10 because her phone worked fine for calls, texts, and checking email. But her bank app stopped working in late 2023 due to outdated OS requirements. Faced with losing access to mobile banking, she decided to upgrade to iOS 11.

She followed the backup steps carefully and installed the update overnight. After rebooting, she noticed the phone felt “heavier”—apps took longer to open, and scrolling through messages wasn’t as fluid. However, her banking app worked again, and she could receive security updates. While not ideal, the trade-off was worth it for functionality.

Sarah later cleared cache, disabled animations in Accessibility settings, and uninstalled resource-heavy apps. These tweaks helped regain some responsiveness.

Checklist Before You Upgrade

• ✅ Backed up to iCloud or computer
• ✅ At least 2GB of free storage
• ✅ Battery charged above 80%
• ✅ Connected to reliable Wi-Fi
• ✅ No critical tasks scheduled during update (e.g., work calls)
• ✅ Alternative phone available in case of issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I downgrade back to iOS 10 after updating to iOS 11?

No. Apple typically stops signing older iOS versions within days of a new release. Once you update to iOS 11, you cannot revert to iOS 10 unless you have a saved SHSH blob (which requires prior setup with third-party tools). For most users, the update is permanent.

Will iOS 11 make my iPhone 5s unusable?

Not necessarily. It won’t stop the phone from turning on or making calls, but expect slower performance, shorter battery life, and occasional app instability. Light users may tolerate it; heavy users will likely feel frustrated.

Is there any benefit to staying on iOS 10?

Yes. iOS 10 is more optimized for the iPhone 5s, offering faster response times and better battery efficiency. However, you’ll miss security patches and newer app features. Some apps may eventually stop supporting iOS 10 entirely.

Final Verdict: Should You Update?

Updating your iPhone 5s to iOS 11 comes down to necessity versus usability. If you rely on modern apps that require iOS 11 or later—such as updated banking, messaging, or health apps—the upgrade may be unavoidable. But if your current setup works and you don’t need new features, staying on iOS 10 offers a smoother, more responsive experience.

Keep in mind that even iOS 11 is now obsolete. Apple ended major support years ago, and no further security updates are issued. This means your device becomes increasingly vulnerable over time, regardless of the OS version.

If performance is your priority, resist the update. If functionality trumps speed, proceed—but only after backing up and understanding the trade-offs.

🚀 Still using an iPhone 5s? Share your experience below. Did iOS 11 ruin it—or was it worth the jump? Join the conversation and help others make informed decisions.