Should you update your GPP unlocked iPhone?

GPP is a SIM spoofing tool that is inserted into a carrier locked phone along with your local SIM in order to bypass the carrier restrictions and can be used on local networks. However, this SIM tool usually has limitations such as no LTE support and firmware compatibility, meaning if iOS updates to the latest version, the tool might not work. GPP unlocked iPhones are way cheaper than factory unlocked iPhones as a majority of these are region or carrier locked or even refurbished, possibly stolen surplus iPhones coming from China, Korea, and Japan.

Apple routinely releases a new version of its operating system, better known as iOS, whenever it introduces new phones. iOS 11, which is the most recent major update, was released on Sept. 19, followed by minor updates on Sept. 26 (11.0.1), Oct. 3 (11.0.2), Oct. 11 (11.0.3) and Oct. 31 (11.1). As of this writing, 11.2.5 is in beta testing and should be released in the near future as the common complaint of reduced battery performance seems to have cropped up, as it has with many past versions. So, should you update your GPP unlocked iPhone? The answer is a mixed bag. Yes, you could, but there are obvious caveats.

Updating your GPP unlocked iPhone into its latest version comes with a wide variety of new features and also, problems. It is a hit or miss whether the GPP chip you’re using will still work as the update may contain a fix that will prevent you to continue using your local SIM card. Apple is also updating and restricting ICCID which is a unique number assigned to a SIM card on your iPhone, prompting your device to be activated again. Good thing is, that the latest GPP chip available on the market nowadays offers a feature where you can manually edit the ICCID so that it will still work on future iOS updates. Some users are also confirming that you will only encounter some problems if you remove or re-insert a SIM card and resetting your device to its factory setting after the latest update. My brother is using a GPP unlocked iPhone, updated to iOS 11.2.5 Developer Beta 2, with the latest LTE GPP chip installed. He has yet to encounter any major problems during his first two months, as his iPhone 8 Plus’ hardware still works well with the latest updates.

That said, you should also consider what device you’re using. iOS 11 takes up more space and takes more computing power than its predecessor meaning it could slow down older devices. Obviously, your mileage will vary depending on lots of other factors; however, if you’re still using a much older device, it may be best to hold off on updating to the latest iOS version until you get some new hardware.

Before you install any iOS update, you can always click on the link in the description to see what new features are being added and what bugs or security issues are being addressed. If the new features aren’t that compelling like new emojis or you’re not experiencing any issues listed, holding off on the update makes sense. Unless, of course, Apple expressly denotes that it’s a serious security patch and you have the extra money to buy the latest GPP chip available on the market or seek for a service that will unlock your iPhone permanently.