ios_7_otaA week after the introduction of Apple’s new iOS 7 mobile operating system, users of iOS 6 across the internet are expressing discontent due to automatic downloads of the new software update, reports CNET.

Specifically, users who still have iOS 6 installed are experiencing self-starting over-the-air (OTA) downloads for iOS 7 to their devices when connected to AC power, averaging around 1 GB per download and occupying 3.1 GB of storage. While the update does not automatically install itself and requires user authentication, the download does not show up in the storage submenu within settings.

The issue is especially problematic for users with little space on their existing devices, as filled space can cause various problems with file management and device efficiency.

CNET confirmed the behavior on both an iPhone 4 as well as a fourth-generation iPad, both of which were running the latest version of iOS 6 before 7 arrived. For the iPad, the download began within minutes of turning on the device and plugging it into A/C power. When finished on both devices, it accounted for a little more than 3GB of space that was previously available on the device, and did not show up in the storage management settings submenu.

Last year, users reported similar behavior with the iOS 6 OTA update occurring for those on iOS 5. Earlier this week, Apple claimed that more than 200 million iOS devices are running iOS 7, making it the fastest software upgrade in history.

Related Forum: iOS 7

Top Rated Comments

viperGTS Avatar
160 months ago
When you're forced to give up 3GB+ of storage for an update you may not even want, that's unacceptable.
Score: 50 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BillyTrimble Avatar
160 months ago
Cry me a river. Update your damn phones. 7 is heaven.

How ignorant. If someone chooses not update, that's their business. Just remember what you said when you are forced to do something you don't want to do, such as when your parents forced you to eat your vegetables at dinner tonight.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DoctorFedora Avatar
160 months ago
When you're forced to give up 3GB+ of storage for an update you may not even want, that's unacceptable.
But… that 3GB is just unpacking space for setup. You get it all back once installation is complete.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Treq Avatar
160 months ago
Not until there is a jailbreak so I can fix the horrible UI.
There are some nice improvements but the UI is just not one of them... Flat is not where it's at.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
na1577 Avatar
160 months ago
But… that 3GB is just unpacking space for setup. You get it all back once installation is complete.

Except the people who are running into this problem are people who don't want to install it in the first place.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GSPice Avatar
160 months ago
Not until there is a jailbreak so I can fix the horrible UI.
There are some nice improvements but the UI is just not one of them... Flat is not where it's at.

Used to jailbreak. Not anymore. Meh.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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