Update your iPhone or iPad

Learn how to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

You can update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS wirelessly.

If the update doesn't appear on your device, you can use your computer to update your device. Learn how to update your device if you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later. Or, learn how to update your device if you're using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or a Windows PC.

Update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly

  1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.

  2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.

  3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.

  4. If you see more than one software update option, choose the one that you want to install.

    Software Update on iPhone. An update for iOS 18 is listed first with buttons to update now or update tonight. An upgrade to iOS 26 is listed at the end of the screen.

  5. Tap Install Now.

  6. If you see Download and Install instead, tap Download and Install to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now.

If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.

If you get an alert when updating wirelessly

If you see an alert message while trying to update your device wirelessly, learn what to do.

Some software updates aren't available wirelessly. VPN or proxy connections might prevent your device from contacting the update servers.

If you need more space when updating wirelessly

If a message asks to temporarily remove apps because the software needs more space for the update, tap Continue to allow the system to remove apps. After installation is complete, those apps are automatically reinstalled. If you tap Cancel instead, you can delete content manually from your device to add more space.

Customize automatic updates

Your device can update automatically overnight while it's charging.

Turn on automatic updates

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  2. Tap Automatic Updates.

  3. Turn on one of the following:

    • Automatically Install: When an update is available, iPhone downloads and installs the update overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi. You’re notified before iPhone installs an update.

    • Automatically Download: Downloads an update when you connect your iPhone to Wi‑Fi, while it's charging, and while locked so you can install the update later. To see this option, first turn off Automatically Install.

Update system files only

iPhone can automatically download and install system file updates to improve iPhone features without changing the software version.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  2. Turn on Automatic Updates.

  3. Under iOS Updates, turn off Automatically Install.

  4. Under System Files, turn on Automatically Install.

Install Rapid Security Responses

Rapid Security Responses deliver important security improvements quicker, before Apple includes them in future software updates.

To get Rapid Security Responses automatically:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  2. Tap Automatic Updates.

  3. Turn on Security Responses & System Files.

If you don't want Rapid Security Responses installed automatically, you can install Rapid Security Responses like software updates.

To remove a Rapid Security Response:

  1. Go to Settings > General > About.

  2. Tap the version.

  3. Tap Remove Security Response.

You can reinstall the Rapid Security Response later, or wait for the system to install it as part of a software update.

Upgrading to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS software provides features, security updates, and bug fixes. Not all features are available on all devices or in all countries and regions. Many factors, including network conditions and individual use, may influence battery and system performance; results may vary.

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