Apple’s latest operating system for the iPhone is iOS 15, and the comparable update for iPad is iPadOS 15. These installation instructions work for both the iPhone and iPad.

What to Know

  • On iPhone: Tap Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. Wait for the download to complete and tap Install Now.Connect the iPhone and computer by cable. In iTunes: Tap the iPhone icon in iTunes and tap Check for Update or Update > Update. For newer macOS versions, this is accompished through Finder

When Can I Download iOS 15?

Apple made iOS 15 available for download in September 2021. It is a free download for any compatible iPhone.

Which iPhones Can Download iOS 15?

If your iPhone is compatible with iOS 14, it supports iOS 15. This includes the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus and every iPhone model released after that through iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max.

Apple released a public beta for iOS 15 in July 2021. We don’t recommend using the public beta on a device you depend on every day.

How to Upgrade to iOS 15 on Your iPhone

You don’t need to connect your iPhone to a computer to download iOS 15. As long as you have an internet connection, you can download the upgrade directly to your iPhone.

  • Open your device’s Settings.
  • Scroll down and tap General.
  • Tap Software Update.
  • If the update for iOS 15 is available for your phone, it appears here. Tap Download and Install and enter your passcode to confirm.
  • Wait for the download to complete. The time to wait depends on your internet speed.
  • Tap Install Now.
  • Your device’s screen goes dark and begins the process of updating.

How to Upgrade to iOS 15 Using iTunes

The other way you can install iOS 15 is to connect your device to an iTunes-compatible computer and perform the upgrade via iTunes.

Note

Before you upgrade to iOS 15, back up your iPhone in case you want to restore your iPhone from a backup later.

Open your device’s Settings.

Scroll down and tap General.

Tap Software Update.

If the update for iOS 15 is available for your phone, it appears here. Tap Download and Install and enter your passcode to confirm.

Wait for the download to complete. The time to wait depends on your internet speed.

Tap Install Now.

Your device’s screen goes dark and begins the process of updating.

  • Connect your iOS device to your computer using a compatible USB cable such as the one you use to charge its battery.
  • Open iTunes.
  • Tip
  • While you’re at it, you might also want to back up your device to iTunes before you upgrade to iOS 15.
  • If iTunes automatically recognizes there’s an update available for iOS 15 (or any update for that matter), a message pops up immediately. If you see this, tap Download and Update.
  • If you don’t see the pop-up message mentioned in the previous step, tap the iPhone icon in the upper-left corner of iTunes to go to the device management screen.
  • Click Check for Update or Update.
  • Confirm by tapping Update.
  • Wait for the download and installation process to complete before ejecting your iPhone from iTunes. The time needed for the update depends on the speed of your internet connection.

Connect your iOS device to your computer using a compatible USB cable such as the one you use to charge its battery.

Open iTunes.

Tip

While you’re at it, you might also want to back up your device to iTunes before you upgrade to iOS 15.

If iTunes automatically recognizes there’s an update available for iOS 15 (or any update for that matter), a message pops up immediately. If you see this, tap Download and Update.

If you don’t see the pop-up message mentioned in the previous step, tap the iPhone icon in the upper-left corner of iTunes to go to the device management screen.

Click Check for Update or Update.

Confirm by tapping Update.

Wait for the download and installation process to complete before ejecting your iPhone from iTunes. The time needed for the update depends on the speed of your internet connection.

  • How do I turn off auto-update on my iPhone?
  • To turn off automatic software updates on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Automatic Updates, and then toggle off the switch next to Automatic Updates.
  • How do I update apps on an iPhone?
  • You can update apps automatically or manually. To turn on automatic app updates, go to Settings > App Store. Under Automatic Downloads, turn on the toggle switch next to App Updates. To update an app manually, open the App Store app and tap your account icon. Under Available Updates, find the app you want to update and tap Update.
  • Why won’t my iPhone update?
  • If your iPhone won’t update its software or apps, you may not have enough storage, the iPhone may be unable to reach the update server, the update may be taking a long time, or your device may have run out of power. There are several ways to fix an iPhone that won’t update, such as restarting the iPhone, pausing and restarting the update, double-checking your Apple ID, checking your storage, and making sure iPhone restrictions are off.

To turn off automatic software updates on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Automatic Updates, and then toggle off the switch next to Automatic Updates.

You can update apps automatically or manually. To turn on automatic app updates, go to Settings > App Store. Under Automatic Downloads, turn on the toggle switch next to App Updates. To update an app manually, open the App Store app and tap your account icon. Under Available Updates, find the app you want to update and tap Update.

If your iPhone won’t update its software or apps, you may not have enough storage, the iPhone may be unable to reach the update server, the update may be taking a long time, or your device may have run out of power. There are several ways to fix an iPhone that won’t update, such as restarting the iPhone, pausing and restarting the update, double-checking your Apple ID, checking your storage, and making sure iPhone restrictions are off.

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