General and system
Software Update
Most people call this installing a new version of iOS.
The Software Update screen shows which iOS version you have, offers any update that is available, and holds the automatic update settings.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 14 and later
- Settings
- General
- Software Update
What it does
Updates can be downloaded and installed automatically overnight while charging, or left for you to start. Security responses can be delivered separately from full updates so urgent fixes arrive quickly.
What changes
When it is on
Updates download and install without being asked.
When it is off
You decide when to update, and the phone stays on its current version.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Security fixes arrive without you thinking about it.
- Installation happens overnight while charging.
Good reasons to turn it off
- You want to read about a release before installing it.
- You depend on an app that breaks on new versions.
Battery
No real change
Privacy
No real change
Performance
Depends how you use it
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
Costs you something
Out of the box: Automatic downloads and installs are offered during setup.
Worth reading first
Questions people actually ask
- How do I check my iOS version?
- Settings, then General, then About, and read Software Version. Software Update tells you whether a newer one exists.
- Should I update straight away?
- For security updates, yes. For a major version, waiting a week costs little and avoids the first round of problems.
If it is not working
- An update needs free space, charge and Wi-Fi. Storage is the usual blocker.
- If your model no longer appears eligible, it has reached the end of its supported versions.
- Security Responses can be enabled separately so urgent fixes arrive even if you delay full updates.