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Why won't it let me download the newest iOS update?

why wont it let me download the newest ios update


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jul 1, 2023 3:21 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 1, 2023 3:25 PM

Do you have an iPhone 8 or higher? For a list of equipment supporting iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 (and the current 16.5), read this article --> iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are compatible with these devices - Apple Support



If your device won't update, make sure you are following all the conditions for the method you are trying to use. If you are sure you are following directions correctly, try a different method.:

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support - wirelessly*

Update iOS on iPhone - Apple Support - with a computer


If your Apple mobile device won't update, read this support article for a list of possible reasons --> If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support


Another, less common reason for not being able to update is if you were using a beta version of software. Refer to How to uninstall iOS or iPadOS beta software - Apple Support


If you need more space for an iOS update read this support article --> If you need more space for an update on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


If your update feature on a device is greyed out or restricted, it may have been disabled using Screen Time, or by an IT administrator if you are using a device owned by an employer or educational institution. Read this document about using Screen Time on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch --> Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Tap Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > scroll to Allow Changes.


* From ASC contributor Lawrence Finch at How can I upgrade my iPhone 6s iOS13 to i… - Apple Community here's a checklist of criteria that all should be met in order to update wirelessly:

• You need at least 10 GB of free storage for iOS 16 or 6 GB for iOS 15 or lower; more is better

• You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (and not a personal hotspot)

• The phone must be charged to at least 50%, and preferably plugged in so it stays above 50% during the update

• The phone must not be in Low Power Mode

• The phone must not be connected through VPN, and it may be necessary to delete any VPN apps and VPN profiles

• The phone cannot be in Airplane mode and must have a cellular data connection

• You cannot still have a beta version installed on the phone

• You cannot have a previous version that was downloaded, but not installed - go to Settings/General/iPhone Storage to look; if you find an iOS installer, delete it.



4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 1, 2023 3:25 PM in response to fin192

Do you have an iPhone 8 or higher? For a list of equipment supporting iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 (and the current 16.5), read this article --> iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are compatible with these devices - Apple Support



If your device won't update, make sure you are following all the conditions for the method you are trying to use. If you are sure you are following directions correctly, try a different method.:

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support - wirelessly*

Update iOS on iPhone - Apple Support - with a computer


If your Apple mobile device won't update, read this support article for a list of possible reasons --> If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support


Another, less common reason for not being able to update is if you were using a beta version of software. Refer to How to uninstall iOS or iPadOS beta software - Apple Support


If you need more space for an iOS update read this support article --> If you need more space for an update on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


If your update feature on a device is greyed out or restricted, it may have been disabled using Screen Time, or by an IT administrator if you are using a device owned by an employer or educational institution. Read this document about using Screen Time on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch --> Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Tap Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > scroll to Allow Changes.


* From ASC contributor Lawrence Finch at How can I upgrade my iPhone 6s iOS13 to i… - Apple Community here's a checklist of criteria that all should be met in order to update wirelessly:

• You need at least 10 GB of free storage for iOS 16 or 6 GB for iOS 15 or lower; more is better

• You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (and not a personal hotspot)

• The phone must be charged to at least 50%, and preferably plugged in so it stays above 50% during the update

• The phone must not be in Low Power Mode

• The phone must not be connected through VPN, and it may be necessary to delete any VPN apps and VPN profiles

• The phone cannot be in Airplane mode and must have a cellular data connection

• You cannot still have a beta version installed on the phone

• You cannot have a previous version that was downloaded, but not installed - go to Settings/General/iPhone Storage to look; if you find an iOS installer, delete it.



Jun 10, 2024 6:32 AM in response to Needinghelp13

If you are currently at iOS 15, then you don't have an iPhone 6, you have a higher version such as a 6S, but you won't be able to go higher than that. If you need a higher version, you will need to purchase a newer phone. Your current phone does not have the hardware to run anything higher.


• If you have an iPhone 5S or 6/6plus, the highest you can update to is 12.5.7

• If you have an iPhone 6S through 7, or SE 1st generation, you can update to 15.8.2

• If you have an iPhone 8 or X, you can update to 16.7.7

• If you have an iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), or XR through 15, you can update to 17.5.1


Why won't it let me download the newest iOS update?

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