Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS — wirelessly or using your computer.
You can update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS wirelessly.* If you can’t see the update on your device, you can update manually using your computer.
Before you update
Make a backup of your device using iCloud or your computer.
Update your device wirelessly
If a message says that an update is available, tap Install Now. You can also follow these steps:
- Plug your device into power and connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install. If a message asks to temporarily remove apps because the software needs more space for the update, tap Continue or Cancel. Later, iOS or iPadOS will reinstall apps that it removed. If you tap Cancel, learn what to do next.
- To update now, tap Install. Or you can tap Later and choose Install Tonight or Remind Me Later. If you tap Install Tonight, just plug your device into power before you go to sleep. Your device will update automatically overnight.
- If asked, enter your passcode. If you don’t know your passcode, learn what to do.
If you see an error or need more space when updating wirelessly
If you see an error message while trying to update your device wirelessly, learn what to do. If you need more space for a wireless update, you can update using your computer or delete content manually from your device. Whether you use your computer or update wirelessly, you’ll have the same amount of free space on your device after you update.
Some software updates aren’t available wirelessly. VPN or proxy connections might prevent your device from contacting the update servers.
Updating your Apple device to the latest iOS version is benefical for several reasons. You may want to fix a bug on your iPhone, get the latest features and native applications for iPad, or simply get your phone up-to-date. Have you ever tried downloading an iOS update only to get feedback from other users that the latest version has more problems than the previous one? Maybe you tried and failed to stop or cancel a download. You then had to finish the update and hope for a better one in the next version. If you have found yourself in this situation, then this tutorial is for you. You can actually stop the update as long as it is not completely done.
How to Cancel an Ongoing iOS Update on iPhone or iPad
To cancel an update that is still in progress on your Apple device, quickly follow these steps before the download is complete:
1. Make sure that the iOS update has not completed yet. To check the download status of your version update, go to Home > Settings > General > Software update.
2. You should see that the latest version is still downloading. If this is the case, then you can still cancel the update.
3. Quickly go to your Home screen by pressing on the Home button.
4. From the Home screen, tap on Settings (gear icon) to open up your device’s Settings and options.
5. In Settings, tap on the General option.
6. In the General page, tap on Usage.
7. The list of applications using your storage will be displayed.
8. Scroll down until you get to the iOS icon. It is usually named with the latest iOS version currently being downloaded. Tap on the iOS icon.
9. You will be taken to the Software Update page. Tap on the Delete Update button.
10. Confirm the action by pressing on the other Delete Update button that will pop up.
11. The update is now cancelled. You can check the update page to see that the download is not available anymore and that your version is unchanged.
The update steps may appear to be complete. Do not worry too much as iOS updates are in a large number of bytes, so you still have time to cancel the download. If you have issue with any of the steps above, let us know in the comments section.
Benj Edwards is an Associate Editor for How-To Geek. For over 15 years, he has written about technology and tech history for sites such as The Atlantic, Fast Company, PCMag, PCWorld, Macworld, Ars Technica, and Wired. In 2005, he created Vintage Computing and Gaming, a blog devoted to tech history. He also created The Culture of Tech podcast and regularly contributes to the Retronauts retrogaming podcast. Read more.
It’s a good idea to keep your iPhone’s software (iOS) up to date. Updates are available for free from Apple. They apply the latest security and bug fixes and features to your iPhone. Here’s how to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
Back Up Before You Update
While problems during the installation process are rare, it’s possible that something could go wrong, and cause you to lose your data.
So, before you install an iOS update on a mission-critical iPhone (or one with irreplaceable data), make it a habit to perform a backup first.
Update iOS via the Settings App
These days, most people update their iPhone directly on the device without connecting it to a computer. This is called a wireless installation, and here’s how you do it.
First, launch the “Settings” app (the gear icon). By default, it’s on the first page of the Home screen. Use Apple’s Spotlight Search if you need help locating it.
In the Settings menu, tap “General.”
Next, tap “Software Update.”
You see information about the latest update, including the version number and details about what the update will improve.
If your iPhone hasn’t already downloaded the update, tap “Download and Install” and type your passcode if it’s requested.
When the update is finished downloading, a message might pop up asking whether you want to install the update now or later; tap “Install Now.”
After the install process begins, you see a message that says “Verifying Update”; wait for it to finish. After verification is complete, your iPhone’s screen goes black and it will restart.
You then see the Apple logo and a small progress bar in the center of the screen.
When installation is complete, you can unlock and use your iPhone again as usual.
Update iOS in Finder or iTunes
You can also update your iPhone via a wired connection with your Mac or Windows PC. On a Mac running macOS 10.15 or later, open Finder. On a Windows PC or Mac running macOS 10.14 or earlier, open iTunes.
Connect your iPhone to your computer with a Lightning-to-USB cable. If it’s the first time you’ve connected your iPhone to the computer, tap “Trust” in the message that appears asking if you want iPhone to trust the computer.
Locate your iPhone on your computer. In Finder, you see it on the left under “Locations”; click it.
In iTunes, look for the small iPhone icon in the toolbar near the top; click it.
In the window that appears with information on your iPhone, navigate to General (in Finder) or Settings > Summary (in iTunes). Click “Check for Update.”
If an update is available, click “Download,” and after it does, click “Update.” Type your passcode if asked. The update installs, and then you’re ready to go.
Double Check That Your iPhone’s Up to Date
After your handset is done updating, you can check to make sure you have all the most current updates installed.
On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. If your device is fully updated, you see a screen similar to the one below letting you know your software is up to date.
You’re iPhone is now updated and ready to go! Now it’s time to make sure that your iPad is up-to-date.
Use your iPhone to update your Apple Watch software, or update directly on your Apple Watch.
Keeping your Apple Watch up to date
It’s always important to keep your Apple devices up to date so that they have all the latest bug fixes and security enhancements. There are also some iOS updates that may require an update to watchOS on your Apple Watch.
If your iPhone says ‘Update Apple Watch’
When you see an alert on your iPhone that says “Your Apple Watch software is out of date,” you should update to the latest version of watchOS so that your data, including Activity data, continues to sync to your iPhone.
Get ready to update
First, make sure that your Apple Watch is compatible with the latest software: watchOS 7 is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 and later and Apple Watch SE. Upgrading to watchOS 7 requires an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 or later. Find your Apple Watch model.
Next, check these things:
- Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
- Make sure that your Apple Watch is at least 50 percent charged.
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Keep your iPhone next to your Apple Watch, so that they’re in range.
It could take from several minutes to an hour for the update to complete. You might want to update overnight or wait until you have time.
Update your Apple Watch using your iPhone
When a new update is available, your Apple Watch notifies you. Tap Update Tonight in the notification, then go to your iPhone to confirm that you want to update overnight. At the end of the day, leave your Apple Watch and iPhone charging overnight so the update can complete.
To check for updates manually, use these steps:
- Keep your Apple Watch on its charger until the update completes.
- On your iPhone, open the Watch app, then tap the My Watch tab.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- Download the update. If asked for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter it.
- Wait for the progress wheel to appear on your Apple Watch. It could take from several minutes to an hour for the update to complete.
Leave your Apple Watch on its charger while the update completes. Don’t restart your iPhone or Apple Watch, and don’t quit the Watch app. When the update completes, your Apple Watch restarts on its own.
Or update directly on your Apple Watch
If your Apple Watch has watchOS 6 or later, you can install subsequent updates without your iPhone:
- Make sure that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi.
- On your watch, open the Settings app.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- Tap Install if a software update is available, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Leave your Apple Watch on its charger while the update completes. Don’t restart your Apple Watch, and don’t quit the Watch app. When the update completes, your Apple Watch restarts on its own.
If you need help updating
Try these steps:
- Make sure that your Apple Watch connects to its charger.
- Restart your Apple Watch. Press and hold the side button until you see Power Off, then drag the slider. To turn your watch on again, press and hold the side button.
- Restart your paired iPhone.
- Try to start the update again.
If the update won’t start, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap General > Usage > Software Update, then delete the update file. After you delete the file, try to download and install watchOS again.
If you installed an iOS or watchOS beta or developer seed
- Before you update, remove the beta profile from your device. To view and remove profiles:
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, then go to General > Profiles. Tap the beta profile that you want to remove, then tap Delete Profile. Enter your iPhone passcode if requested.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then tap General > Profiles & Device Management. Tap the beta profile that you want to remove, then tap Delete profile. Enter your iPhone passcode if requested.
- After you remove the profiles, restart both devices and check for the update again.
To continue using the public beta of iOS, you can install the beta profile again.
1st October 2015
Keeping your iPhone or iPad fully up-to-date is essential, as Apple often releases important security patches, big fixes and other useful features in the form of Over-The-Air updates. Here’s how to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS 10, as well as full instructions on how to download and install the beta version of iOS 11 right now.
What is iOS?
If you own an iPhone or iPad, your device will run the iOS operating system, as designed by Apple itself. This is the main software which actually allows you to do things on your phone or tablet, including run apps, use the camera, tweak the settings and so on.
Check out our complete ‘what is iOS‘ explainer guide for all you need to know.
Why should I regularly update iOS on my iPhone or iPad?
The iOS software is regularly updated by Apple, for all kinds of reasons.
For one, these updates bring new features to your iPhone or iPad, to make them even better to use. As an example, the Siri virtual assistant is continuously being improved to offer more informative responses, while the likes of Apple Home support has been added to allow you to control your home from your iPhone.
More importantly, these iOS updates often fix bugs and security holes in the software. In other words, they make your iPhone or iPad more secure and less likely to be hacked, so your private data stays safe. Any existing glitches will be killed off, providing a smoother, more reliable user experience.
What is the latest version of iOS?
The latest version publically available right now is iOS 10, which was released towards the end of 2016. However, Apple is hard at work on the next version, iOS 11, which is already in beta stages. You can actually try out iOS 11 on your iPhone or iPad right now, if you sign up for Apple’s development program. Keep reading for more info and full instructions.
How to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS 10
First, before you update your iPhone we recommend backing up your photos and anything else precious on your mobile. You can do this using iTunes, by connecting your iPhone to your computer with the Lightning cable.
- When you’re ready, go to your iPhone’s settings by tapping the icon on your desktop.
- Scroll down to ‘General’ and give it a tap.
- Tap the second option in the next menu, Software Update.
- Your iPhone will check for available updates and if one is available you’ll see the details listed. Tap ‘install Now’ at the bottom.
- Enter your Apple passcode (which you use to unlock your phone) to proceed.
- Now it’s time to sell your soul to Apple, i.e. agree to the terms and conditions. Just hit ‘Agree’ at the bottom of the page.
- Your iPhone will now download and install the iOS update, which involves an iPhone restart. When your phone starts back up, it will be updated.
How to download and install the iOS 11 beta on your iPhone or iPad
In June 2017, Apple launched iOS 11 at its big WWDC 2017 event. This latest version of iOS boasts loads of cool new features, although right now it still isn’t officially available to iPhone and iPad users as it’s still in beta. However, it is possible to download and install the iOS 11 beta right now, if you can’t wait for it to roll out later in 2017.
Be warned however, iOS 11 in beta form is likely to be glitchy, so be sure to back up your iPhone or iPad before you follow these steps!
- First, make a backup of your iPhone or iPad in case the update goes belly up and you end up with a very expensive paperweight. You can do that pretty easily using iTunes – just connect your device and tap ‘Back up now’ from the main screen.
- On your Apple device, head to Apple’s Beta Software website, and sign up, or sign in with your Apple ID when prompted if you’re already enrolled. Choose ‘iOS’ in the list at the top and follow the instructions to get your device enrolled.
- With that done, head to your iPhone or iPad’s settings menu. Tap on General and then Software Update, and your device should pick up on the iOS 11 Public Beta, available as an OTA update. From here you can download and install the beta, which is over 2GB in size. We therefore recommend connecting to a reliable and reasonably quick WiFi network before you proceed.
- The iOS 11 beta will install, which requires a reboot. Job done!
Keeping your iPhone or iPad software up-to-date is an important way to ensure that you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements, and that you’re generally getting the best from your device. This article explains how to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, over the air or using a Mac or PC.
Back Up Your iOS Device First
Before you update to a new software version, you should always make a backup of your device first. Creating an iPhone or iPad backup should be routine for most users, as it’s a simple procedure and the easiest way to recover your data if something goes wrong during the update procedure.
How to Update Your iPhone or iPad Wirelessly
If you get a notification on your device that says an update is available, tap Install Now. You can also follow these steps:
- Plug your device into a power outlet using a Lightning cable and power plug, and make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the Settings app.
- Tap General, then tap Software Update.
How to Update an iPhone or iPad Using a Mac or PC
If you can’t update your device over the air, you can update it manually using a Mac or Windows PC. Here’s how.
- On a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15, launch a Finder window. On a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, launch the iTunes app.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a Lightning cable.
- If you opened a Finder window, you’ll see your iOS device appear in the sidebar – Click it to select it. If you opened iTunes, view your device by clicking on its icon in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window.
- Click General or Settings, then click Check for Update.
If the update fails or you see an error code, try restarting your device. If that doesn’t work, perform a restore of the backup you made prior to attempting to update your device.
Turn on Automatic Software Updates
There’s an option on iPhone and iPad to enable automatic software updates. With this feature turned on, when a new version of iOS is released, your iPhone or iPad will be updated automatically and you won’t need to do a thing.
- Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Tap General -> Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
- Toggle the option to the green ON position.
Unless this is turned on, your iOS device will wait for you to manually tap the install button when an update is released, though it will continue to download new updates in the background. To turn off automatic updates, follow the same steps, toggling the update from on to off.
Apple has finally released the iOS 14 on September 16 and also updated the list of iPhone which will be compatible with this update. The biggest change in iOS 14 is a modified home screen and support for widgets for the first time with a lot of other new features. Now, the question many people have online is — can iPhone 6 get iOS 14? Here is a list of iPhones that are compatible with this update.
Can iPhone 6 Get iOS 14? Check out this list of iPhones which are compatible
How to update iOS 14 and iPadOS 14https://
iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone XS and XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
iPhone SE
iPod touch seventh generation#Apple #iOS14 #iPhone #iPadOS14
Above is the List of iPhones that are compatible and will be getting the iOS 14 update. The oldest iPhone which will receive this update is the iPhone 6s. So, iPhone 6 users will not be able to update their OS to the latest iOS 14. The only option would be to get a newer iPhone model that supports it. Follow the steps below this list to update your compatible iPhone to iOS 14.
How to get iOS 14 Update on your compatible iPhone
- Fully charge your iPhone and make a backup of all your data. Also, turn off all the ongoing work in the background to speed up the download process.
- The new iOS 14 update has a much larger size than the previous ones, so having a high speed and stable WiFi connection is recommended.
- First, navigate to the Settings, then General, then press on the Software update option next to the install iOS 14.
- The update will take some time due to the large size. Once the download is done, the installation will begin and your iPhone 8 will have the new iOS installed.
iOS 14 on the iPhone 6s
While iOS 14 will not be available for iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 plus users. The best option would be to get a model that is compatible with this new OS. The closest models on which iOS 14 can be installed are the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus. Performance isn’t much of an issue with these two models but the battery life could be a problem. Either way, iOS 14 on these devices is perfectly acceptable for day-to-day tasks.
Promo Image Credits: iPhone YouTube
iPhone bug fixes and new features are here with the iOS 14.7 upgrade.
iOS 14.7 will give the iPhone a few cool new features.
Apple’s iOS 14.7 was released on Monday. It’s a relatively small update compared with April’s iOS 14.5, which included the ability to unlock your iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask , to stop apps from tracking you for advertising purposes and to choose from four Siri voices . Still, Apple iOS 14.7 brings multiple new and useful features, like MagSafe battery pack support for the iPhone 12, and managing timers on your HomePod .
Here’s what you need to know about iOS 14.7. Plus, check out everything to know about Apple’s upcoming iOS 15 update .
iOS 14.7 is now available as a public beta.
You can download iOS 14.7 now. Here’s how
Since Apple released iOS 14.7 to the public, you should get a prompt telling you that iOS 14.7 is now available and asking if you’d like to download it. Or you can do the following:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General.
3. Tap Software Update.
Your device will connect to Apple’s servers and prompt you to download and install the update. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. When your device reboots, it will be running iOS 14.7. (Check out our full instructions on preparing your phone and downloading iOS 14 here .)
Stay up-to-date on the latest news, reviews and advice on iPhones, iPads, Macs, services and software.
What devices does iOS 14.7 work on?
iOS 14.7 is compatible with all the same devices as iOS 14. Generally, these include the iPhone 6S all the way up through the iPhone 12, along with the iPhone SE and the seventh-gen iPod Touch. For the full list of devices compatible with iOS 14, click here .
You’ll be able to download iOS 14.7 on the iPhone 6S through the iPhone 12, pictured here.
New features included in iOS 14.7
The latest operating software update appears to be smaller, and focused on under-the-hood changes. Here are some of the features included in the final beta version.
MagSafe battery pack support for iPhone 12
If you have an iPhone 12 (any model), iOS 14.7 will allow for MagSafe battery pack support , so you can buy a $99 MagSafe battery pack that will magnetically attach to your phone and charge it on the go.
Set timers on your HomePod using the Home app
While you’ve been able to set timers on HomePod for a while, you previously needed to do this using Siri. In iOS 14.7, you can set a timer for your HomePod through the Home app without having to ask Siri, as 9to5Mac found in the developer beta code. The new option is located below HomePod alarms.
In iOS 14.7, you’ll be able to set a timer for your HomePod through the Home app.
Weather app air quality feature expanding to more countries
iOS 14 added the ability to see air quality measures in the Weather app, but only in a few regions. In the iOS 14.7 developer beta, this feature appears to be expanded to more countries, 9to5Mac spotted.
Changes to your Podcasts library
Your Podcasts library will allow you to choose to see all shows, or only the shows that you follow.
Apple Card Family
If you use the Apple Card, iOS 14.7 offers the option to combine credit limits and share one co-owned account with an existing Apple Card user.
Battery drain bug fix
Several people have reported an issue with their iPhone battery draining quickly since updating to iOS 14.6. It’s unclear whether Apple is addressing this issue in iOS 14.7, but the release notes say that a battery service message that might’ve disappeared after reboot on some iPhone 11 models has been restored.
The Developer Beta for iOS 15 is available now – though the Public Beta will release in July 2021.
Here is how you can trial Apple’s latest iOS update.
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What will Apple’s latest update include?
Along with every iPhone update, advanced features are added to our devices in order to increase productivity and usability.
Key highlights of the iOS 15 beta update for iPhone include:
An upgrade to FaceTime
Described to appear “a lot more like Zoom or Microsoft Teams”, the new upgrade to FaceTime will allow users to schedule calls. Notably, FaceTime will branch out towards Android and Microsoft Windows devices, where users can access the new update via a browser.
In addition, Apple have been focused on improving sound quality. Thus, along with the new update, Apple are introducing spatial audio in FaceTime – allowing users to ‘make it sound like you’re talking to the other person in the same room’.
Apple’s head of software added that the spatial audio update for FaceTime was to make video calling: “more natural, comfortable and lifelike.”
The new update will also allow for portrait mode in order to blur out the background.
An upgrade to iMessage
Apple have quickly realised the importance of efficient communication via messaging, in light of the pandemic.
The new update sees brand new sharing features for iMessage, which will aid the sharing of photos, articles, and playlists.
Images and other media shared with you via iMessage will now appear in a ‘shared with you’ folder for convenience.
Other features
iOS 15 is also reported to include an upgraded Maps experience for iPhone, and the iPad will see the introduction of widgets for the home screen.
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I just downloaded the beta for #ios15 I love the new focus area
How to install iOS 15 beta
If you’re looking to test and try the beta version of the new iOS, here is how to do it:
Enter the public beta program
Firstly, you need to use the device that you intend to run the beta. All of the Apple devices that supported iOS 14 will also support iOS 15.
Using the device, go to beta.apple.com and sign up using your Apple ID.
Next, download the beta profile and activate it by Settings > General > Profile, before selecting the beta.
You will continue to receive beta updates throughout the program.
What is beta testing and is it safe?
Essentially, beta test versions help developers test and try the new update before it is released to the public later in the year. It allows for users to spot bugs and other issues.
Though, it’s important to note that beta versions are usually incomplete and buggy, hence why they’re used for trial purposes. For this reason, users should proceed with caution if they decide to install iOS 15 beta in July.
MacWorld suggests backing up your device before installation and ensuring the beta is not used on a critical device that holds essential information.
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