Delayed upgrade of Apps

If you have Automatic Updates on, and your phone is not in low power mode, it will update over Wi-Fi whenever it has a connection and the phone screen is unlocked. If you turn on Update over cellular data it will update as soon as the update is available; it will not wait for you to open it.

The only time it will update when you open it is if you have “Offload unused apps” AND your device is low on storage.

Hi Grahame Grieve,

Thanks for coming to Apple Support Communities for help today.

Do you currently have automatic updates set up? It may be they just haven't had a chance to update until you open the app.

"How to turn on or turn off automatic updates on your iPhone or iPad

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap App Store.
3. Turn on or turn off App Updates."

You could update your apps manually when you are in range of a fast network: How to manually update apps on your Apple device.

"How to manually update apps on your iPhone or iPad

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap your profile icon at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll to see pending updates and release notes. Tap Update next to an app to update only that app, or tap Update All."

You can also leave Product Feedback regarding the processes to update and the right team will be able to see it.

Have a fantastic day!

Hey Grahame Grieve!

If your network strength is weak, the amount of time it takes to update an app could be longer than expected. The best step for you might be to disable automatic updates as mentioned above. That way, you can manually check for updates for your apps when you're connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.

Regards.