What differentiates an upgrade from an update?

The distinction between an upgrade and an update primarily lies in the scope and impact of the changes made to the software. An upgrade typically involves a substantial enhancement to the software's functionality, often introducing significant new features, advanced capabilities, or improvements in performance. This not only involves modifications to existing features but may also include complete redesigns or the introduction of brand new functionalities that enhance the user experience.

In contrast, updates are usually focused on smaller enhancements, such as bug fixes, minor improvements, and security patches that maintain or slightly improve the existing capabilities without fundamentally changing the software. While both upgrades and updates are essential for software maintenance and performance, the key aspect that differentiates an upgrade is its potential to provide significant improvements and new features rather than just addressing existing issues or vulnerabilities.