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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. If you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, learn how to update your device. Or, if you're using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or a Windows PC, learn how to update your device.

Update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly

Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
Open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Software Update. The currently installed version of iOS is shown, and whether an update is available.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Software Update on iPhone. An update for iOS 26 is listed first with buttons to update now or update tonight. An upgrade to iOS 27 is listed at the end of the screen.

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

Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security. The best way to make sure your device receives all the features, security updates, and bug fixes in our latest software releases is to turn on automatic updates when you first set up your device.

If you choose, you can manage these settings to download and install updates manually.

Manage automatic updates

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Software Update.
Tap Automatic Updates.
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 in the background so that you can install it later. Turn off Automatically Install to see this option.

Controls for automatically installing and downloading iOS updates and system files.

Manage system file updates

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

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Software Update.
Tap Automatic Updates.
Under [Device] Updates, turn off Automatically Install.
Under System Files, turn on Automatically Install.

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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Published Date: September 15, 2026

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