Apple announces new iOS versions in June, releases them in September
Apple holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, where it shows off the next version of iOS — the operating system that runs iPhones. The company then releases that finished version to the public in September, usually in the second or third week of the month. This schedule has held steady for years, so if you want to know roughly when a new iOS is coming, mark mid-September on your calendar.
The exact release date shifts year to year depending on Apple's testing schedule and when they finish fixing bugs. Apple does not announce the September date until late August, when they send out invitations to their fall product event. That event is where they show off new iPhones alongside the new iOS version.
Between the June announcement and September release, Apple puts out beta versions — test copies that developers and interested users can read to find problems. These betas are free to read but are not finished products and can be unstable. Most people should wait for the final September release rather than running a beta on their main phone.
Key Takeaways
- Apple announces new iOS versions at WWDC in June and releases the finished version in September, usually in the second or third week.
- The exact September release date is not announced until late August, when Apple sends invitations to its fall product event.
- Free beta versions become available after the June announcement, but these are test copies meant for developers and are not stable enough for everyday use.
- You can check Apple's official website or your iPhone's Settings app to see what iOS version you currently have and whether an update is available.
- iOS updates arrive as free downloads; you do not need to buy anything or pay a subscription to get the new version.
How to find out what iOS version your phone has right now
Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap General, then About. The number next to "Software Version" is the iOS version you are running. For example, iOS 17.2 means you have iOS version 17, update 2.
The same Settings menu also tells you whether a newer version is available. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If an update is waiting, you will see it listed there with the option to read and install it. Your phone will not force you to update when ready — you can wait days or weeks if you want — but Apple does eventually stop supporting older versions.
What the version numbers actually mean
iOS version numbers follow a pattern: the first number is the major version (like iOS 17 or iOS 18), and the numbers after the decimal are smaller updates. iOS 17.1 and iOS 17.2 are both part of the iOS 17 family. These smaller updates fix security problems and bugs but do not add major new features.
The major version — the jump from iOS 17 to iOS 18 — is what comes out in September and includes new features that Apple announced at WWDC. Between September and the next June, Apple releases several smaller updates to that major version. So you might see iOS 17.0, then 17.1, then 17.2, then 17.3, all before iOS 18 arrives in September.
Why Apple releases updates on a yearly schedule
A yearly cycle gives Apple time to build new features, test them thoroughly, and coordinate with iPhone hardware releases. New iPhones come out in September, and the new iOS version comes out at the same time so they work together from day one. Developers also need a predictable schedule — they know to expect announcements in June and releases in September, so they can plan their own app updates around that timing.
The yearly schedule also means Apple can support older iPhones for several years. An iPhone from 2020 might still receive the newest iOS version released in 2024, though it may not get every new feature if the hardware is not powerful enough. Apple publishes a list of which iPhones can run each new iOS version before the September release.
Where to find official announcements about upcoming iOS releases
Apple's official website (apple.com) publishes information about new iOS versions after they are announced at WWDC. You can also follow Apple's newsroom or check the Apple Developer website if you want technical details about what changed. These sources are more reliable than tech news sites, which sometimes publish rumors or guesses about features that never make it into the final version.
Your iPhone itself will notify you when a new iOS update is available. You will see a notification in Settings under Software Update, and you can also turn on automatic updates so your phone downloads and installs new versions overnight. This is the simplest way to stay current without having to remember to check manually.
Security and privacy reasons to update when a new iOS comes out
Each iOS update includes fixes for security vulnerabilities — holes in the system that hackers could use to access your data or take control of your phone. Apple does not always announce which vulnerabilities were fixed, because publicizing them could help attackers target older phones that have not updated yet. Waiting weeks or months to update leaves you exposed to known problems that Apple has already patched.
Staying on an older iOS version also means you stop receiving security updates eventually. Apple typically supports each major iOS version for about three years, releasing security patches during that time. Once support ends, no more fixes arrive, even if new vulnerabilities are discovered. Updating to the latest version is the most straightforward way to keep your phone find.
What happens if you do not update to the newest iOS
Your phone will continue to work, but you will gradually lose access to features and services. Some apps stop supporting older iOS versions and will not run on your phone anymore. Banks, payment apps, and social media platforms often drop support for iOS versions that are more than a few years old. You might find that an app you use every day straightforward will not open one day because it requires a newer iOS.
You also miss out on new features and performance improvements. A newer iOS version might make your phone faster, improve battery life, or add camera features. These benefits are not critical, but they accumulate over time. The choice to update or not is yours — Apple does not force you — but staying current is generally the safer and more functional option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go back to an older iOS version if I do not like the new one?
Not easily. Apple does not allow downgrading to older iOS versions once you have updated. If you update to iOS 18 and then want to go back to iOS 17, you cannot do it through normal settings. Your only option would be to restore your phone through a computer using Apple's recovery tools, which erases everything on the device. For this reason, it is worth waiting a few days after a major iOS release before updating, in case serious problems are reported.
Do I have to pay for iOS updates?
No. iOS updates are free. Apple does not charge for major versions or smaller updates. If you see a website asking you to pay for an iOS update, it is not legitimate.
Will a new iOS version slow down my older iPhone?
Not necessarily. Apple designs each iOS version to run on iPhones from several years back, and newer versions often improve performance on older hardware. However, very old phones with less memory might run slightly slower with a major new version. Check Apple's compatibility list before updating if you have an iPhone from 2018 or earlier.
What is the difference between iOS and iPadOS?
iPadOS is the operating system for iPads, and iOS is for iPhones. They are related and share many features, but they are separate products. iPads get their own version numbers and release schedule, though usually around the same time as iOS. If you own both devices, you may need to update them separately.
Can I turn off automatic iOS updates?
Yes. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates. You can toggle off "read iOS Updates" and "Install iOS Updates" to prevent automatic downloads and installations. You will then need to manually check for and install updates yourself through the same Settings menu.