How to Update iOS Devices

Prerequisites to Follow for Updating iOS Devices

Before you actually start updating your iOS device, you should always make sure it’s fully ready for a smooth upgrade experience.

• Before updating, make sure all of your data is securely stored in the cloud. Navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.

• To check if you have adequate storage for the update, navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. The majority of upgrades require at least 5GB of free space.

If necessary, remove unnecessary programs, pictures, or large files. Always charge your device. It should have at least 50% battery to avoid interruptions during the update. Clearing the cache is a fast way to free space too; see clear cache in Safari on iPhone for the exact steps.

• Updates can be large, so ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to download the update quickly and avoid data charges.

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Steps to Update iOS Devices

Here are steps to update iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads:

• Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to check if there is any update available or not.

• Tap Update Now or Update Tonight, depending on your choice. If a popup comes up, enter your passcode and wait for the download to complete. The time required depends on the update size and your Internet speed.

• Once the download is complete, tap on Install Now. Your iPhone or iPad will restart and begin the installation. Do not power off your device during this process.

After the update, navigate to Settings > General > About and confirm whether your device is running on the latest iOS version.

Steps to Update iOS Devices Automatically

You can keep your iPhone and iPad updated without putting in any manual effort by setting automatic updates.

Here’s how to set up automatic updates:

• Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates to enable automatic updates on your iPhone or iPad.
• In the AUTOMATICALLY INSTALL section, toggle on iOS Updates and in the same way, in the AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOAD section, toggle on iOS Updates.

Should I Update iOS or Not?

Usually, updating your iOS device is recommended as it gives you access to the latest features and bug fixes and prevents security loopholes. Apple often releases updates to fix bugs and improve functionality.

However, always ensure that your smartphone is compatible with the latest version of iOS before updating, and read reviews to avoid any possible performance issues, particularly with legacy iOS models affected by iOS version fragmentation.

Keep in mind that major updates can sometimes cause app crashes or unexpected bugs. Waiting a week or two after the release allows Apple to address any early glitches its users report.

If you wish to download and install the latest software updates on your iOS device, it will get updated with new features and security enhancements. However, it’s important to know whether the latest iOS version is compatible with your iPhone or iPad to help you decide whether to upgrade to the latest version.

The current major release of iOS is iOS 26. The next section covers which iOS devices support it.

Which Devices Support iOS 18.2?

Apple maintains a broad compatibility list for its iOS updates, but older devices may not always support the latest version.

Here's a quick compatibility overview for the current iOS release, which requires an iPhone with an A13 Bionic chip or newer:

iPhones:

• iPhone 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15, 15 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14, 14 Plus
• iPhone 13 Series
• iPhone 12 Series
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
• iPhone 11 Series

iPads:

• iPad Pro (all generations)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad Mini (5th generation and later)

Developers can test apps on iPhones spanning this list to confirm nothing breaks on the oldest supported models.

Why Did iOS Jump From Version 18 to iOS 26?

Apple renamed its annual release to match the calendar year starting in 2025, skipping the numbers 19 through 25 entirely. The update that would once have shipped as iOS 19 was released as iOS 26 instead, and iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS moved to the same year-based scheme at the same time.

The renumbering came with a real compatibility cut, not just a cosmetic one:

• A13 Bionic chip required: iOS 26 only installs on an iPhone with an A13 Bionic processor or newer, starting at the iPhone 11.
• iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max dropped: these three A12-chip models from 2018 no longer receive feature updates, only security patches.

If Settings, General, Software Update reports no update available on a working Wi-Fi connection, an unsupported chip is the most likely reason, not a fault in the app or the network. Check Settings, General, About for your exact model before following the update steps above.

Teams that need to confirm an app still works after this change can test iOS apps on multiple devices, and many also try setting up an iOS simulator for testing to check device combinations they do not own.

Conclusion

Updating iOS is straightforward and very user-friendly. However, you should always prepare your device before updating and check its compatibility. Although updating iOS is always a good idea, consider your device’s age and performance before updating to the newest version. Keeping your iOS devices updated will allow you to take advantage of all that Apple has to offer.

The same habits, backing up first, confirming free storage, and updating on a stable connection, apply across platforms, including when you want to update Windows on a laptop.