Apple does an enormous replace of iOS (the working system that runs on all iPhones) yearly, bringing new options and interface tweaks. Considered one of these main iOS updates is due in September 2023: we anticipate that iOS 17 will arrive within the week of September 18 (the week following Apple’s September 12 event at which a new iPhone will launch).
On this article, we run by the whole lot you might want to do to replace your iPhone to the very newest software program (iOS 17) together with what to do should you encounter issues, like not having sufficient area or not with the ability to hook up with Wi-Fi.
There are additionally quite a few smaller level updates, with fixes and safety patches, that arrive all year long; these are simply as essential so we may also clarify methods to set up these.
iOS 17 launch date: Is iOS 17 obtainable?
iOS 17 is nearing the tip of the beta testing course of and the official model is prone to be obtainable to put in round September 18.
If you happen to can’t wait till then you possibly can be a part of the Public Beta program and set up iOS 17 now. We clarify how you are able to do that in How to install the iOS beta on your iPhone. Now that we’re a good distance into the testing course of. it might be much less dangerous to put in the beta now. If you happen to do resolve to make the leap, you could wish to depart the beta program when the ultimate model arrives in order that there isn’t a danger that you’ll obtain buggy betas as Apple continues testing new options.
As soon as iOS 17 is available you could wish to shortly set up it. There are a couple of the reason why you may wish to wait a bit longer. First, on the day a serious iOS replace arrives, Apple’s servers can change into overloaded. This implies the method can take lots longer and be extra irritating than it will in any other case be. One more reason to carry off updating immediately is that it may be clever to attend every week or so till Apple points iOS 17.1, which is normally a repair for any bugs that arrive with the primary iteration. If you’re questioning how iOS 16 and iOS 17 evaluate learn iOS 16 vs iOS 17: Why the next iPhone update is bigger than it seems.
We additionally suggest that you simply do a little bit of normal ‘tidying up’ of your iPhone prior to installing the replace. We’ll clarify a few of the steps you possibly can take to make sure that the replace goes easily under.
At a look: Tips on how to replace an iPhone
Whether or not it’s a full working system replace, or a smaller ‘level replace’, updating iOS is simple.
You’ll need to verify that your iPhone is suitable with the replace although. Within the case of iOS 17, compatible iPhones embrace the iPhone SE (2nd technology and up), iPhone XR and iPhone XS, however the iPhone 8 and iPhone X are excluded.

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- Earlier than you start, we strongly suggest that you simply again up your iPhone.
- Open Settings.
- Faucet Normal.
- Faucet Software program Replace. iOS will verify if there’s a brand new model; if there isn’t, you’ll see the message with the software program model and “iOS is updated.” Generally there’s a little bit of a wait till the software program turns into obtainable, particularly on a launch day.
- If an replace is obtainable you will notice it. Faucet on Obtain and Set up.
- Enter your pin and comply with the phrases and circumstances.
- Your machine will obtain the replace within the background. You’ll see a sign of how a lot time it’s prone to take. In our expertise that is very removed from the mark: the truth will be double and even triple what this estimates! You may at the least keep on with different issues whereas the obtain occurs.
- As soon as the obtain has completed you’ll obtain a notification.
- Now wait whereas your iPhone Verifies Replace. Your iPhone will then shut down, begin up, and start to put in the software program replace. Count on this step to take some time, particularly if it’s on the night time the software program arrives!
See our record of every version of iOS the place you possibly can see the newest variations and how long Apple supports iPhones for.
Tips on how to get your iPhone prepared for an iOS replace
Earlier than you replace iOS, we suggest that you simply do the next:
- Again up your iPhone: You are able to do this utilizing iCloud, or by way of the Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a PC. We clarify how to back up an iPhone right here. Previously individuals have misplaced information like outdated SMS messages and photographs throughout an replace, so we are able to’t emphasize sufficient how essential this step is!
- Make some area in your iPhone: You’ll need a good quantity of area obtainable for the replace. If you happen to don’t have a spare 20GB or so in your telephone then delete some apps to make room–you possibly can reinstall them afterwards as you already personal them so they’re related together with your account. If you happen to nonetheless don’t have sufficient area, iOS may also provide to briefly take away some recordsdata for you. We now have recommendation about ways to save space on an iPhone.
- Plug your iPhone into an influence provide: iOS gained’t set up in case your battery is low.
- Connect with WiFi: Be sure you’re downloading over Wi-Fi, not by way of mobile, or you could find yourself running out of data. Additionally, verify it’s a protected community–we don’t suggest you do that over lodge Wi-Fi, as an illustration.
- Seize a replica of the iOS you’re updating from (should you can): It could be comforting to have the choice to revert to the model of iOS you up to date from, though Apple doesn’t make it simple to downgrade iPhone software. We’ll run by these steps under.
Troubleshooting iOS replace issues
Sadly, as simple as an iOS replace needs to be, and even when you have carried out all of the preparation really useful above, there will be issues. We run by fixes for the most typical points encountered whereas putting in a brand new model of iOS under.
Downside: I don’t have sufficient area to replace iOS
When you’ve got an iPhone with restricted area obtainable, maybe a 64GB mannequin, clearing ample area to put in an iOS replace will be irritating.
If you happen to’re low on area you could be fearful that you’ll lose a few of your information should you set up the brand new iPhone replace. It’s comprehensible that some individuals are involved about this, as a result of it’s occurred up to now. Nevertheless, it needs to be the case that when the iOS replace has put in, all of your information will likely be intact, and if it isn’t, nicely you have got a backup don’t you?
We give recommendation about clearing space on your iPhone in a separate article, however should you don’t wish to delete a lot of your information there may be an alternative choice obtainable.
Answer: Use your Mac to put in iOS
Downloading and putting in iOS by way of the Finder (or iTunes on a PC or an older Mac) is an effective way to replace iOS should you don’t have sufficient area in your iPhone.

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- Open the Finder.
- Plug your iPhone into your Mac.
- Discover your iPhone within the sidebar on the left of the Finder and click on on it. (You’ll have to verify that you simply Belief the machine first).
- Click on on Normal.
- Click on Test for Replace.
- If there may be an replace, click on Obtain and Replace.
By downloading and putting in the software program this manner the iPhone is not going to require as a lot area.
Alternatively, you possibly can strive these steps to make some more space on your iPhone.
Downside: I can’t replace iOS as a result of I don’t have Wi-Fi
Are you actually enthusiastic about updating iOS however don’t have entry to Wi-Fi proper now? Or possibly you do, but it surely’s lodge/restaurant Wi-Fi, and also you aren’t positive you possibly can belief it? You may be questioning whether or not you possibly can replace iOS utilizing mobile information or cell information.
Answer: Obtain utilizing mobile
Apple used to have a obtain cap that meant you couldn’t obtain greater than 200MB over a knowledge connection. This cover was lifted in iOS 13, so now you can obtain apps of any measurement. Go to Settings > App Retailer. Scroll all the way down to Mobile Knowledge (or Cellular Knowledge) part and faucet on App Downloads. You may select from Ask If Over 200MB, All the time Enable, or All the time Ask.
Earlier than you begin, be sure you don’t burn up all of your information for the month! Even “limitless information” isn’t at all times fully limitless and also you may be penalized afterward.
Alternatively, in case your Mac occurs to be linked to the web by way of Ethernet, or one other method, you possibly can obtain iOS utilizing the Finder in precisely the identical method as we describe above.
Downside: I can’t see the iOS replace!
You might be questioning why your iPhone isn’t displaying the iOS replace as obtainable.
Answer: Test compatibility, Wi-Fi, battery… or use the Finder to obtain it
There are a couple of the reason why this may be the case.
- You may simply be too keen. There generally is a delay earlier than the large yearly iOS replace seems. Inevitably somebody you recognize will see it sooner.
- Your telephone may be too outdated to run the newest model of iOS. Discover out which iPhones can get iOS 17.
- You won’t be linked to Wi-Fi. As we stated above, you want Wi-Fi, however there are workarounds.
- Your battery could also be low. Apple required your iPhone to be plugged in or your battery to be above a sure stage with the intention to replace.
If these factors don’t apply to you, strive putting in by way of the Finder as we detailed above. Your Mac could possibly see the replace.
In case your iPhone doesn’t run the brand new model of iOS, you may wish to verify our roundup of the Best iPhone deals so it can save you cash whereas bagging your self a shiny new machine.
Downside: The iPhone replace has frozen
So, you adopted all our recommendation and but the replace is taking AGES! Maybe your iPhone seems to have frozen, or the replace is caught close to the tip. What must you do?
Answer: Be affected person, verify Wi-Fi, restart
First off, it’d simply be gradual, particularly if you’re updating simply after a serious replace has been issued. Generally an replace can take all night time! At any time when a brand new iteration of iOS comes out, we suggest giving it a couple of days simply to let the clamour die down and any bugs get ironed out earlier than you set it in your machine.
One more reason why an iPhone replace may cease is that if your Wi-Fi connection has dropped. If you’re putting in the replace a couple of months after the launch there needs to be no issues with busy servers or lengthy delays. In that case, if you’re having points with the obtain time, it could be that your Wi-Fi community isn’t performing. Learn this: How to fix problems with WiFi on iPhone or iPad.
If you happen to suppose you replace has frozen wait a bit longer simply in case it’s simply taking a very long time. If you’re positive that the replace has frozen, moderately than simply slowed to snail’s tempo, you need to restart your iPhone. The method to restart your iPhone depends upon the mannequin you have got, however since iOS 17 gained’t run on something older than the iPhone XR you’ll solely must know the next steps:
- Shortly press and launch the amount up button.
- Press and launch the amount down button.
- Press and maintain the facet button, preserve holding it till the Apple emblem seems, then launch.
Hopefully it is possible for you to to begin the set up once more with none issues.
Downside: The iPhone replace is caught Verifying Replace
As soon as the iOS replace is downloaded in your machine will probably be verified by Apple.
Answer: Test Wi-Fi, restart
In case your machine will get caught on this display it could be as a result of your Wi-Fi connection has dropped, so verify your web connection.
If that’s not the wrongdoer then strive restarting your machine as per the steps above.
Tips on how to improve iOS from a beta model
If you happen to beforehand tried out a beta version of iOS forward of its full launch, you need to have the ability to replace to the complete model as soon as it launches.
- Go to Settings
- Normal
- Software program Replace
- Faucet on Beta Updates
- Faucet on Off
Now the subsequent time a non-beta replace arrives you need to have the ability to set up that model of iOS, with out being supplied any beta updates.
If you happen to want to take away an iOS beta and there isn’t a more recent model of the complete model of iOS observe the steps on this article: How to remove an iOS beta from your iPhone.
How to return to an outdated model of iOS
What occurs should you change your thoughts later and wish to downgrade to the earlier model of iOS? Downgrading is basically difficult, so we are able to’t assure that even when you have the installer for an outdated model of the iOS you possibly can revert to it, however right here’s the strategy to strive.
- Obtain the right model of iOS in your iPhone from IPSW.me. It must nonetheless be signed by Apple, which today is a really slender window certainly.
- In your Mac, open the Finder.
- Plug in your iPhone.
- Maintain down the Option/Alt key and click on on Restore iPhone. This could mean you can choose the model of iOS you want to set up on the iPhone
- Find the obtain and choose it to replace your iPhone.
We now have a separate article that investigates whether or not it potential to downgrade my iPhone to an older version of iOS.