Understanding Software Patch, Update, Upgrade

Have you ever found it difficult to distinguish between the terms patch, update, and upgrade in software? Although all these terms serve to enhance your device's software, they are different from one another. In this guide, we will clarify the meaning of each term and explain why understanding the differences is important for maintaining the smooth and secure operation of your device.

Know the Difference: Upgrade vs Update vs Patch

Software Upgrade

A software upgrade is a set of software that makes important changes to the GUI (Graphical User Interface) and adds new features and options which are not in the existing version. Software upgrade changes the major version of a software. Installing a software upgrade can take a longer time than an update due to its large and complex data.

Software Update

A software update involves making minor changes to an app or Android including bug fixes, security patches, adding new support for new hardware, and other small improvements. Updates only changes the minor version number. Installing a software update might only take a couple of minutes and doesn’t affect the system's core structure.

Software Patch

Patches usually fix small bugs while maintaining the software compatibility. Increment in patch number happens when you make backwards-compatible bug fixes.