Apple releases major iOS updates once a year, usually in September

Apple announces a new major iOS version at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, then releases it to the public in September or early October. The exact date shifts year to year — iOS 17 came out September 18, 2023, while iOS 18 arrived September 16, 2024. Apple does not announce the release date until a few weeks before it happens.

Between major releases, Apple sends out smaller updates called point releases — these are the numbers after the decimal, like iOS 18.1 or iOS 18.2. These arrive every few weeks and fix security problems, add minor features, and patch bugs. You do not need to wait for a specific date; they roll out automatically to all compatible iPhones once Apple releases them.

If you want to know when the next major version is coming, the most reliable source is Apple's official newsroom at apple.com/newsroom. You can also check Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone, which will show you when an update is available and sometimes hints at the timing of upcoming releases.

Key Takeaways

  • Major iOS versions arrive once yearly in September or October, announced at WWDC in June but with the exact release date revealed only weeks beforehand.
  • Point releases (iOS 18.1, 18.2, etc.) come out every few weeks between major versions and install automatically without you having to do anything.
  • Apple's official newsroom is the only source that will tell you the actual release date; rumors from tech blogs are often wrong.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when an update is ready, and you can check Settings > General > Software Update to see what version you have and what is available.

Why Apple sticks to a September release schedule

September timing lets Apple coordinate with the iPhone hardware release, which also happens in the fall. New iPhones ship with the latest iOS already installed, and the new operating system is designed to take advantage of the new phone's hardware. Releasing both at the same time creates momentum for sales and gives developers time to update their apps over the summer.

The June WWDC announcement gives developers three months to prepare their apps for the new iOS features before the September release. This predictable schedule has held for over a decade, so if you are planning to upgrade your phone or waiting for a specific feature, September is the month to watch.

How to find out about iOS updates before they are released

Apple posts developer previews and public betas months before the final release. If you want to test new features early, you can join the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com. This lets you install pre-release versions of iOS on your iPhone and report bugs to Apple. Be aware that beta software can be unstable — apps may crash, battery life may suffer, and you might lose data if something goes wrong.

If you do not want to run beta software but still want early information, follow Apple's official channels: the Apple Newsroom, Apple's social media accounts, and the Apple Events page. Tech news sites like MacRumors and 9to5Mac also track rumors and leaks, but these are educated guesses, not official information.

What happens if you do not update right away

You do not have to update the moment a new iOS version is available. Most people wait a few weeks to let Apple patch any bugs that show up after the initial release. Waiting also gives app developers time to update their software for the new iOS, so fewer apps will crash or behave oddly.

Eventually, Apple stops supporting older iOS versions and stops sending them security updates. If you stay on an old version long enough, your phone becomes vulnerable to hackers and some apps will refuse to run. Apple typically supports the current version and the two previous major versions, so you have roughly two years before you must update.

How to check which iOS version you have right now

Open Settings on your iPhone, tap General, then tap About. The first line shows your iOS version — for example, "iOS 18.1.1". If a newer version is available, you will see a notification on the Settings app icon, or you can go to Settings > General > Software Update to check manually.

If you see an update available and want to install it, tap read and Install. Your phone will restart during the process, which usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the update and your internet speed. Plug in your phone and connect to Wi-Fi before you start, because the update will fail if your battery dies or your connection drops.

Differences between major versions and point releases

A major version — iOS 17, iOS 18 — includes new features, design changes, and sometimes removes old features. These updates are larger, around 1 to 3 gigabytes, and take longer to install. Major versions come out once a year in September.

A point release — iOS 18.1, iOS 18.2 — fixes bugs, patches security holes, and adds small features that did not make it into the major release. These are smaller, usually under 500 megabytes, and install faster. Point releases come out every few weeks, and your phone will read and install them automatically if you have automatic updates turned on.

If you turn off automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, you will have to manually install point releases yourself. Most people leave automatic updates on so they get security patches without thinking about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I downgrade to an older iOS version if I do not like the new one?

No. Apple only signs the current and previous major versions, which means you cannot install an older version once you upgrade. If you hate a new iOS, you are stuck with it until the next major release in September. This is why some people wait a few weeks after release to make sure the new version does not have major problems.

Will a new iOS version slow down my older iPhone?

Not usually. Apple designs each iOS version to run on iPhones from the previous five to seven years, and the company tests performance on older hardware. However, very old iPhones with less storage or RAM may feel slower because the new version uses more resources. If your phone is more than five years old and feels sluggish after an update, a factory reset sometimes helps.

What if I miss the September release date?

You can update any time after the release. iOS updates stay available indefinitely, so there is no important date. Your phone will remind you periodically that an update is available, and you can install it whenever you are ready. The only reason to update soon is to get security patches faster.

Do I have to update if I do not want new features?

Eventually, yes. After about two years, Apple stops sending security updates to older iOS versions. At that point, your phone becomes vulnerable to hackers and some apps will stop working. You do not have to update the day a new version comes out, but you should update within a few months to stay find.