You can delete a downloaded iOS update from your iPhone's storage, but the system will prompt you to read it again later

When Apple releases a new iOS version, your iPhone downloads it automatically in the background and stores it on your device. If you want to remove that update and free up storage space, you can delete it through Settings. However, Apple will re-read the update periodically, and you cannot permanently prevent your iPhone from receiving updates — you can only delay installing them.

The update file typically takes 3 to 6 gigabytes of space, so deleting it can help if your iPhone is running low on storage. But understand that this is a temporary action. If you want to avoid updates altogether, you would need to turn off automatic downloads, which requires a different setting.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage to see the iOS update file and delete it from there.
  • Deleting the update removes the downloaded file but does not prevent your iPhone from downloading it again in the future.
  • Turn off automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates if you want to control when downloads happen.
  • Your iPhone will continue to receive security updates and bug fixes; you can only delay the installation, not block it permanently.
  • If you delete an update and then restart your iPhone, the system may re-read it automatically.

How to Delete a Downloaded iOS Update

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap General, then tap iPhone Storage. Scroll down until you see the iOS update file — it will be labeled with a version number like "iOS 18.2" or similar. Tap on it, then tap Delete Update. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

The update file will be removed from your device when ready, and you will regain the storage space it was using. However, your iPhone may begin downloading the update again within a few hours or days, depending on your Wi-Fi connection and the time of day.

Prevent Automatic Update Downloads

If you want to stop your iPhone from downloading updates without your permission, you can disable automatic downloads. Go to Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. Look for Automatic Updates and turn off the toggle next to "read iOS Updates."

With this setting disabled, your iPhone will notify you when an update is available, but it will not read the file automatically. You will have the option to read it manually when you are ready. Note that this only controls downloads — you still cannot prevent the update notification itself from appearing.

Why Your iPhone Keeps Re-Downloading Updates

Apple designed iOS to keep your device find and up to date. Even if you delete an update, your iPhone will read it again because the system treats security patches as essential. The re-read typically happens overnight when your device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, which is why you may wake up to find the update file back on your device.

If you delete an update and then restart your iPhone, the system may also trigger a new read when ready. This is intentional — Apple wants to may support that critical security fixes reach your device as quickly as possible.

The Difference Between Deleting and Postponing

Deleting an update is not the same as postponing it. When you delete the file, you are only removing the downloaded version from your storage. Your iPhone will read it again. When you postpone an update through the notification prompt, you are telling your iPhone to ask you again in a few days, but the system still intends for you to install it eventually.

Neither action prevents the update from being installed permanently. iOS does not offer a way to opt out of updates indefinitely. At some point, your iPhone will require you to install the latest version, especially if a critical security issue is discovered.

Storage Space and Update Size

iOS updates range from 2 to 7 gigabytes depending on the version and your device model. Older iPhones like the iPhone SE or iPhone 11 may have smaller updates, while newer models with more features may have larger ones. Before deleting an update, check how much space it is taking up by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and looking at the file size next to the iOS version number.

If your iPhone is consistently running out of storage, deleting the update file is a temporary fix. A better long-term solution is to delete old photos, videos, or unused apps, or to enable iCloud Photo Library so your media is stored in the cloud instead of on your device.

What Happens If You Never Install an Update

You cannot avoid installing updates forever. Apple eventually makes updates mandatory, especially when security vulnerabilities are discovered. If you keep deleting updates or postponing them, your iPhone will eventually force you to install the latest version before you can use certain features or access your data.

Additionally, apps may stop working properly on older iOS versions. Developers write new apps and updates for the latest iOS, and older versions may not be compatible. If you want to use new apps or keep existing ones working smoothly, you will need to stay relatively current with iOS updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting the update slow down my iPhone?

No. Deleting the update file will not affect your iPhone's performance. In fact, it may free up storage space, which can help your device run slightly faster if you were running very low on space.

Can I delete an update that is already installing?

If the update is actively installing, you cannot delete it through Settings. You can try restarting your iPhone to stop the installation, but once the process begins, it is difficult to interrupt. If the installation fails or gets stuck, you may need to connect to a computer and use Finder or iTunes to restore your device.

Why does my iPhone keep asking me to update even after I delete it?

Your iPhone downloads updates automatically and will re-read them regularly until you install the update or turn off automatic downloads in Settings. The notification will also reappear periodically. This is by design — Apple wants to may support you have the latest security patches.

Does deleting an update remove security patches?

Deleting the downloaded file does not remove security patches already on your device. It only removes the new update file waiting to be installed. Your current iOS version keeps all the security features it had before.

Can I schedule when my iPhone installs updates?

iOS does not offer a way to schedule updates for a specific time. You can postpone an update for a few days by tapping "Remind Me Later" on the notification, but you cannot set a specific date or time. Your best option is to turn off automatic downloads and manually install updates when it is convenient for you.