Can’t I download iOS 15 without downloading the new 17

Fadeee21 Said:

"Can’t I download iOS 15 without downloading the new 17: I feel like the iOS 17 might make my phone lag"

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Updating an iPhone XS Max to iOS15:

No. When updating an iPhone, only the latest compatible device will install: iOS 17.1, as of this thread.

Your iPhone XS Max might offer you a choice between iOS 16 and iOS 17, as my iPhone did. There is a window after the release of a new version of iOS during which Apple sometimes offers a choice between the two latest versions.

It won't offer you an upgrade from iOS 14 to iOS 15. I would guess that the only phones being offered iOS 15 are the ones currently on it; and those for which it is the end of the line.