This iPhone update problem can wipe all your data: Here's how to avoid the white screen of death

Encountering a problematic iPhone update can result in data loss, particularly if it fails to complete properly. During an update, iOS stores your files and settings intact, but when the process is interrupted, the phone may become unresponsive. This can manifest as a frozen screen displaying the Apple logo or a prompt to connect the device to a computer.

To rectify this issue, Apple advises connecting the phone to a computer in recovery mode. Users are then presented with two choices: Update or Restore. Selecting Update attempts to reinstall iOS while preserving data and settings, but this outcome is not assured. If this method doesn't work, the only alternative is to choose Restore, which reinstalls iOS and erases all data.

Apple cautions that without a recent backup, anything not already saved will be permanently lost. It's worth noting that iCloud Backup is designed to operate independently, running when the phone is on, locked, and connected to power over Wi-Fi. However, backups may fail to run without the user's awareness. Common reasons for this include insufficient iCloud storage.

Apple advises users to check their backup date and storage capacity before initiating an update, ensuring they have the latest backup and sufficient storage. To avoid potential data loss, users should prioritize recent backups, maintain a reliable internet connection, and avoid starting updates on weak or unstable networks. If the phone freezes during an update, waiting for it to resolve the issue is recommended before attempting recovery mode.

Even if data seems lost, iCloud-hosted information, such as iCloud Photos, Contacts, Calendars, and Notes, may still be retrievable after a restore, provided those services were enabled.