How to Download and Install New iOS Updates

Open iTunes on your Mac or PC, select your iPhone, and then choose Check for Update

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on May 22, 2024
iPhone & iOS

What to Know

  • Connect iPhone to computer > Open iTunes > Sync or Back Up Now > Check for Update > Update.
  • Choose Download and Install or Download Only.
  • Click Next > Agree to start the download and installation process.

This article explains how to download and install new iOS updates using iTunes on a Mac or PC. It applies to iTunes 11 and later and Macs running macOS Mojave (10.14) and earlier and PCs running Windows 10 and later.

When Apple releases a new update to iOS—the operating system that runs the iPhone—install it. Upgrades to iOS deliver bug fixes, interface changes, and new features.

How to Update iOS Using iTunes

If your Mac or PC has iTunes, you can upgrade to the latest version of iOS through the program. Using iTunes to update your iPhone or iPad is a good option if your iOS device is low on space.

Alternatively, you can update your iOS wirelessly directly from your iPhone.

Here's how to perform an iOS update using iTunes on macOS and Windows computers.

  1. Connect the iOS device to the computer you sync it with, then open iTunes.

  2. Select the icon for the device to open the device management screen.

  3. Select Sync to sync the device with the computer. Or, select Back Up Now to create a backup of the data on the phone. It's good to have a backup in case anything goes wrong with the upgrade.

    Use Sync to back up the iPhone and update it with any changes from your iTunes library. Use Back Up Now to make a copy of your contacts, photos, and settings.

  4. When the sync is complete, the Summary tab shows the current version of iOS on the device and an available update. Select Update to begin the process.

    If you don't see an available upgrade, click Check for Update > Update.

  5. Select Download Only to download the software for a later update or select Download and Install to update now.

  6. Read the information about new features, fixes, and changes the new version of the iOS offers, then select Next.

  7. Select Agree to acknowledge the user agreement.

  8. The update downloads and automatically installs on your device. If prompted, follow the instructions.

  9. When the installation is complete, the device will automatically restart.

A warning appears if there isn't enough free storage space on the device to install the update. Delete apps and free up space on your iPhone to solve the problem.

Finish the Upgrade on the iPhone

To complete an iOS update, accept the licensing terms, review information about the update's new features, and configure new settings.

Follow the onscreen prompts, and in a few taps, you'll be using your newly upgraded device.

Was this page helpful?