Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS Not only does it give you access to new features, it also strengthens security and fixes bugs. This guide has everything you need to update from your device or using a computer, configure automatic updates, understand Security Quick Responses, and resolve common errors.
We have gathered and clearly rewritten all the key information of the best guides and support documents: detailed steps, recommendations beforehand, what to do if the update doesn't appear, where to enable or disable automatic downloads, how to proceed on Mac or Windows, and a complete troubleshooting section with compatibility by model. Let's learn how to update iOS on your iPhone.
Why it's a good idea to keep iOS up to date
Updating regularly is essential for your securityApple releases new versions of iOS to address vulnerabilities, improve stability, and enhance system performance. You can also receive minor improvements between major releases thanks to Security Quick Responses.
The new products are not just "cosmetics": Features that extend the lifespan of your iPhone and optimize its performance are coming to both newer models and older phones that are still compatible, including devices like the iPhone 8 and different generations of the iPhone SE.
Delaying the update has its drawbacks.You'll miss out on privacy improvements and run unnecessary risks if a critical fix becomes available. Therefore, enabling automatic updates and quick responses is a good idea for most users.
If you are concerned about installation timeRemember that the process may take a while, especially with larger releases or a lot of content on the device. Whenever possible, perform the update with your iPhone connected to power and a stable Wi-Fi network.
Essential preparations before upgrading
Make a backup before touching anythingProblems are rare, but never impossible. You can back up using iCloud (Settings > your name > iCloud > Back Up to iCloud > Back Up Now) or using a computer, whether on Mac or Windows.
Connect iPhone to power and a Wi‑Fi networkMake sure the battery is above 50%, or better yet, leave your phone charging throughout the entire process to avoid interruptions.
Check the available spaceIf iOS needs more space, the system may suggest you temporarily delete apps to complete the installation and then reinstall them. If you prefer, manually delete unused content from Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Check what version you have and if there is a new one: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. This screen shows the installed version and available updates. If needed, you can turn off automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
Updating iOS from iPhone: Step by Step
The easiest method is to update over the air (OTA)With your iPhone connected to Wi‑Fi and a power source, go to Settings > General > Software Update and wait for the new version to appear.
If you see multiple update optionsChoose the one you prefer to install. Apple sometimes offers the most recent version and a minor update as an alternative; choose the one that best suits your needs.
Tap Install Now if availableIf "Download and install" appears, tap that option to start the download, enter your unlock code when prompted, and when finished, tap Install now to complete the process.
Do I get an alert message during the update? Follow the on-screen instructions. If prompted to temporarily remove apps to free up space, tap Continue; when finished, the apps will be automatically reinstalled. If you don't want to do this, free up space manually and try again.
Update not showing up on iPhone? Sometimes it may take a while to appear or may be gradually expanding. If it still doesn't appear, you can update using a computer (see specific section) to force a check from Finder or iTunes/Apple devices.
Configure automatic updates and security quick responses
Automatic updates take work off your plate. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn it on. With this option, your iPhone downloads and installs new versions overnight while it's charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
Activate the iOS Updates option within that same menu so the device automatically applies the available versions. Keep in mind that, for stability reasons, Apple typically rolls out updates in stages, and it may take a few days or weeks for them to reach everyone.
If you want to disable the automatic onesYou can also do this by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, so they'll only be installed when you manually select them.
What are Rapid Security Responses (RSRs)? These are small, priority updates that fix critical bugs without waiting for a full iOS release. To receive them automatically, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn on Security Responses & System Files.
Install or remove an RSRIf you don't want to install them automatically, you can apply them as if they were a normal software update. If you need to remove a specific RSR, go to Settings > General > About > iOS Version > Remove Security Response. You can then reinstall it or wait for it to arrive as part of a standard update.
Update with a Mac or Windows PC
If the OTA option does not appear or you prefer the computer, connect your iPhone with a cable and use Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes/Apple Devices (on macOS Mojave or earlier and on Windows).
On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later: Open Finder, locate your iPhone in the sidebar, go to the General tab, and tap Check for Updates. If a version is available, click Update and follow the instructions.
On Windows or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier: Open the Apple Devices app on Windows or iTunes on Mac, select your iPhone (iPhone icon at the top), go to Summary, and tap Check for Updates. Then, choose Update to begin the installation.
Make sure you have stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet during download and verification. The correct order is: backup, check for update, download, and finally install with the iPhone connected to power.
Common problems when updating and how to solve them
If something goes wrong, don't panic.Most issues have a simple solution: check compatibility, free up space, change networks, update from your computer, or redownload the file.
Compatibility: Your iPhone may not support the latest version.
The first thing is to confirm that your model is compatible with the target version. For reference, these were the compatibilities cited in one of the guides:
- iOS 16: from iPhone 8 and 8 Plus to iPhone 14 Pro Max, including iPhone SE (2020) and iPhone SE (2022).
- iOS 15: from iPhone 6s and 6s Plus to iPhone 13 Pro Max, including all three generations of iPhone SE.
- iOS 14: from iPhone 6s and 6s Plus to iPhone 12 Pro Max, including SE 2016 and SE 2020.
- iOS 13: from iPhone 6s and 6s Plus to iPhone 11 Pro Max, including SE 2016 and SE 2020.
- iOS 12: from iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 to iPhone XS Max, including iPhone SE 2016.
If the update option does not appear If your model isn't on the compatibility list for that version, you won't be able to install it. In that case, keep your iPhone on the latest compatible version offered by Settings > General > Software Update.
Lack of storage space
When iOS needs more space, may suggest you temporarily delete apps; accept to continue, and the apps will be reinstalled after the update. If you'd rather free up space yourself, delete unused content (large apps, videos, files) from Settings > General > iPhone Storage and try again.
Alternative if space is still an issue: Connect your iPhone to a computer and update using Finder/iTunes; in many cases, updating from a computer requires less free space on your device.
“Unable to check for updates”
If an error appears when searching, try again after a few minutes. Check your internet connection; switch to another Wi-Fi network if possible. If the message persists, perform the update from a computer.
“The update cannot be installed” or “The update requires a network connection”
These ads are usually linked to the network. Check that you have a stable connection, try another Wi-Fi connection, and avoid VPNs or restricted networks. If the problem persists, try updating via Mac or PC.
The download is very slow
Speed depends on update size and trafficConnect your iPhone to fast Wi-Fi, avoid large simultaneous downloads, and close apps that may be consuming bandwidth. You can use your iPhone while downloading, but the less stress you put on it, the better.
The progress bar stays still
Large installations can take a long timeKeep your iPhone connected to the charger, give it time (it can be more than half an hour in some cases), and don't force restart it unless it's been a long time without any changes.
Delete the downloaded update and recovery mode
If the installation still does not workThe update file may be corrupted. Delete the download and try again to force a new clean copy.
How to remove the downloaded update: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, locate the iOS update in the list, tap Delete, and then go back to Settings > General > Software Update and download it again.
Recovery mode as a last resortIf all else fails, use recovery mode to restore to the latest iOS version available through Finder or iTunes/Apple Devices. This process returns your iPhone to factory settings, so having a backup is essential.
FAQs
What is the latest version of iOS? The exact version changes over time. A previous guide listed iOS 16.5.1 as the latest, while a recent article listed iOS 18 as the current version. Always check Settings > General > Software Update to see which update is available for your iPhone.
When do new versions of iOS come out? Traditionally, major releases arrive in September. The reviewed material mentioned the arrival of iOS 17 in mid-September, along with the launch of new iPhones. Apple rolls out updates gradually to ensure stability.
Which iPhones can be upgraded to iOS 16 and iOS 17? For reference, iOS 16 compatibility was cited for iPhone 8 and later (including SE 2020 and 2022) and iOS 17 for iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, SE 2nd generation, and later. Always check your case in Settings > General > Software Update, as compatibility depends on the specific model.
IOS 18? We'll tell you everything in this article: Apple releases iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, and macOS 15.6
With backup, good connection and the right options enabledUpdating iOS is a simple process: you can do it over Wi-Fi from Settings, schedule it to install at night, speed up fixes with Quick Responses for security, and if any problems arise, you can use your computer, delete the download, or, as a last resort, use recovery mode to get your iPhone up to date.
