Does Apple push updates to Apple devices that do not have any Apple ID associated with them?

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Level 1

22 points

Does Apple push updates to Apple devices that do not have any Apple ID associated with them?

I have several old Apple devices that I still use. My most favorite one is a old iPhone 7 Plus. It has NO service from any provider. It can not be used as a phone, I use it as an alarm clock and also as a white noise machine when I travel. This phone is NOT listed under any devices connected with my Apple ID. But recently a iOS update appeared. I know this was very recent as I use this phone every night. I was unaware that Apple would even push any sort of update to a device that was not connected to the Apple servers using a Apple ID. And suggestions as to what is going on? I am able to use wi-fi to download stuff to apps that are on this phone. There are very very few apps left on this phone, the 7 Plus. I use my iPhone 13 Pro Max daily.

iPhone 7 Plus

Posted on Jun 4, 2022 6:34 PM

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Answer 1

nbotros

Community Specialist

Jun 5, 2022 2:12 PM in response to Per Axel

Hello Per Axel,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. Your device can update automatically overnight while it's charging and connected to the internet via Wi-Fi network.

If you would like to stop updating your iPhone automatically, check this out:

Customize automatic updates

- Your device can update automatically overnight while it's charging.

-Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

-Tap Automatic Updates, then turn on Download iOS Updates.

-Turn on Install iOS Updates. Your device will automatically update to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Some updates might need to be installed manually.

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

We hope this information is useful. Kind regards.

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Answer 2

Per Axel Author

Level 1

22 points

Jun 14, 2022 6:45 AM in response to nbotros

Here is what is happening, my IT & S people explained it to me. I download YouTube rain videos to play as my "white music" when I try to sleep when traveling. YouTube is the only outside software on this phone. Normally my iPhone is in Airplane mode, but not for the length of time that it takes to download YouTube video. And I will say your servers are VERY FAST!! and that is when the update is pushed to my iPhone. IT & S told me to ignore the red circle and to not download the update as this phone is not connected with an Apple ID. And even they were unsure what would happen if new software was installed. They think it would be like getting a new phone and starting from there, and your phones are easy to set up. and configure. And the only way it can access the internet is through wi-fi. So that is how these updates are presented. In a way I like this as I know I can easily get a new Apple ID specifically for this phone and update it to the latest iOS. And I am keeping this phone as it takes spectacular pictures!!

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Answer 3

SnickZ.

Community Specialist

Jun 14, 2022 6:56 AM in response to Per Axel

Thanks for getting back to us, Per Axel. It’s appreciated! That sounds like an excellent plan, and we hope you enjoy taking those fabulous photos with your iPhone 7 for many years to come!

All the best.

SnickZ.

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Does Apple push updates to Apple devices that do not have any Apple ID associated with them?

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