I'm looking to get my iPhone 12 Pro Max battery replaced at an official Apple Store, but I haven't updated my phone since version 17.3. I'm hesitant to update because I fear it could crash or cause issues. The only problem I'm facing now is with battery life, and I'm really comfortable with my current setup. However, when I try to schedule an appointment, they mention requirements like having to back up my data and upgrade to the latest software. Since I have limited storage on my 128GB phone and prefer not to upgrade, I would love to hear if anyone has had their battery replaced without updating first. How long did the process take? Also, any advice for navigating this in North America?
3 Answers
If you’re thinking about updating, iOS 18 seems like a good compromise between iOS 17 and the upcoming iOS 26. Apple’s been ending support for older versions, so it might be smart to update soon to avoid compatibility issues with apps. Waiting too long could force you into a bigger change going straight to iOS 26, which is quite different from what you’re used to.
You can definitely get your battery changed without being forced to update iOS. The Apple Store won’t make you update your phone when replacing the battery. Just go ahead and get it swapped out, and then worry about the update afterward if you choose to do so.
I’m not very tech-savvy, but one way to prevent your phone from being updated is to set a pin code on it. That way, if they insist on needing access, you can explicitly request that your phone not be updated, and maybe even get that in writing. And definitely back everything up before you hand it over!
Actually, I've heard that the Apple store can sometimes require a software update for their part matching system. If you don’t update, you could end up with a "non-genuine part" error in the settings, which could be annoying.