Where to find iPhone updates and how to install them

Open Settings, then tap General, then tap Software Update. Your iPhone will check for new versions automatically. If an update is available, you'll see it listed with the version number and file size. Tap read and Install to begin. Your phone will restart during installation — this is normal and takes a few minutes.

If you see "Your software is up to date," your iPhone is already running the latest version available for your model. Apple releases updates on different schedules depending on the iPhone's age, so older models may stop receiving updates before newer ones do.

You can also set your iPhone to install updates automatically. In the same Settings > General > Software Update menu, tap Automatic Updates and toggle on Install iOS Updates. Your phone will then read and install updates overnight when plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, so you won't have to do it manually.

Key Takeaways

  • Updates appear in Settings > General > Software Update, and you can install them when ready or set them to install automatically overnight.
  • Your iPhone needs Wi-Fi and at least 50 percent battery to read an update, though plugging in is safer and prevents interruption.
  • Updates fix security vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit, so installing them within a few weeks of release significantly reduces your risk.
  • Older iPhone models stop receiving updates after five to seven years, which is one reason to know your phone's age when deciding whether to keep it.

Why your iPhone needs Wi-Fi and battery before updating

Your iPhone requires a Wi-Fi connection to read the update file, which is usually between 500 megabytes and 3 gigabytes depending on the version. Cellular data won't work for this step. If you're on a metered plan or have limited data, this is another reason to wait for Wi-Fi rather than using your phone's hotspot.

Your phone also needs battery power. Apple requires at least 50 percent battery to start the read, though plugging in during the entire process is safer. If your battery drains to zero during installation, the update can fail and leave your phone in an unusable state. Plug in before you start, and leave it plugged in until the restart is complete.

How long updates take and what happens during installation

The read usually takes 5 to 15 minutes on a standard home Wi-Fi connection, depending on your internet speed and the update size. Installation takes another 5 to 10 minutes after that. Your iPhone will restart at least once — you'll see the Apple logo appear, then disappear, then reappear. This is expected. Don't unplug or force-restart your phone during this time.

After installation finishes, your phone will show the lock screen and ask you to unlock it. Your apps, photos, and settings remain exactly as they were. You won't lose anything by updating.

What to do if an update fails or gets stuck

If the read fails, go back to Settings > General > Software Update and try again. Usually the second attempt works. Make sure you're still on Wi-Fi and that your phone is plugged in.

If your phone gets stuck on the Apple logo during installation, wait at least 15 minutes before doing anything — some updates take longer than expected. If it's still stuck after 20 minutes, force-restart your phone by quickly pressing and releasing the volume-up button, quickly pressing and releasing the volume-down button, then pressing and holding the side button until the "slide to power off" screen appears. Release the button, then press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.

After a force restart, your phone will usually complete the update on its own. If it doesn't, connect to a computer with iTunes or Finder installed and try updating through that instead — this method is more reliable when the phone itself is having trouble.

When updates are released and how often they come

Apple typically releases major iOS updates once a year in September, usually alongside new iPhone models. These updates add new features and make significant security changes. Between major releases, Apple sends smaller updates called "point releases" — version 18.1, 18.2, and so on — roughly every two to four weeks. These focus mainly on fixing security problems and bugs.

Security updates are the most important ones to install quickly. When Apple patches a vulnerability, hackers know about it within days and begin trying to exploit it on phones that haven't updated yet. Installing an update within two to three weeks of its release cuts your risk substantially.

How to know if your iPhone model still receives updates

Apple supports iPhones for roughly five to seven years from their release date. The oldest model currently receiving updates is the iPhone XS (released in 2018). Phones older than that won't appear in the Software Update menu because no new versions are available for them.

You can check your iPhone's model and release year by going to Settings > General > About and looking at the "Model" line. Search for that model number online to find the release year. If your phone is more than seven years old, it's unlikely to receive further updates, which means security vulnerabilities will accumulate over time. This is one reason older phones become riskier to use for banking or sensitive tasks.

What happens if you delay an update

If you see an update available but don't install it when ready, your iPhone will remind you periodically. You can dismiss these reminders and continue using your phone normally — updates don't force themselves on you. However, each day you wait is a day a known vulnerability remains on your device.

The only exception is critical security updates, which Apple sometimes makes mandatory after a certain period. These are rare and only happen when a vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild. Even then, you have a grace period of several weeks before the update becomes required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my iPhone without Wi-Fi?

No. iOS updates require Wi-Fi to read. You cannot use cellular data or a hotspot. If you don't have Wi-Fi at home, you can update at a coffee shop, library, or friend's house — anywhere with public Wi-Fi. Just make sure your phone is plugged in before you start.

Will updating delete my photos or apps?

No. Updates preserve everything on your phone — your photos, messages, apps, and settings all stay exactly as they are. The update only changes the operating system underneath. You won't lose anything.

What if I see a notification to update but I'm not ready?

You can dismiss the notification and update later. Tap the notification and select "Remind Me Later" or just close it. Your phone will ask again in a few days. There's no penalty for waiting a week or two, though security updates are safer to install sooner rather than later.

Does updating slow down my iPhone?

No. Updates typically improve performance or keep it the same. Older iPhones sometimes feel slower after a major update, but this is usually because the new version uses more of the phone's resources, not because the update itself broke anything. If slowness bothers you, the real solution is upgrading to a newer model.

Can I undo an update if I don't like it?

No. Once an update is installed, you cannot go back to the previous version. If a new update causes problems, you can report the issue to Apple through Feedback in Settings, but you cannot downgrade. This is why it's safe to update — Apple tests extensively before release.