Apple iOS 26.5.1 Software Restricted To iPhone 17 Series, iPhone Air Only: Should You Upgrade?

InnovationConsumer TechApple iOS 26.5.1 Software Restricted To iPhone 17 Series, iPhone Air Only: Should You Upgrade?ByDavid Phelan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorJun 02, 2026, 04:00pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryApple has released an unusual and highly targeted iOS 26.5.1 update, exclusively for its iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air models. This specific update addresses a critical battery issue where some of these newer phones experienced difficulty recharging when nearly drained. Unlike typical iOS releases, it contains no security fixes, focusing solely on resolving this hardware-related problem. Users report the download size can be substantial, but installation is generally quick. Initial reactions are positive, with some noticing improved performance and no new issues. Owners of the affected devices are strongly advised to install this update to ensure proper functionality, even if they haven't yet encountered the battery problem.Show More Apple iPhone 17 ProGetty ImagesWell, this is unusual. Apple has released its latest iPhone update and it’s for a small portion of the installed user base: any iPhone with 17 in its number and the iPhone Air. Read on for full details of this strange update.This post has the initial thoughts on the new release and I’ll be updating this post over the coming week and I’ll add final thoughts on Tuesday, June 9.Who Is It For And How Do You Get It?Unlike other iOS 26 updates, this update is only for a select group of phones. Specifically, it’s for the iPhone 17 series, that is, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max plus the other phone released last fall, which is not part of the 17 series, iPhone Air.To upgrade, if you have one of these five phones: go to the Settings app on the iPhone, choose General, then So...