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Why will my iPhone not install the latest update

My iPhone will not install the latest update

Posted on Aug 22, 2022 6:01 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Aug 22, 2022 6:06 PM

What model phone? Check compatibility:

Go to Settings/General/About and note the Model Name

  • NOTE: iOS 16 is not available for any models except to iOS developers and beta participants. General release will be in Fall, 2022
  • iPhone 12 or 13 series: You can update to 15.6
  • Any model 6S or newer (including original SE, 2nd and 3rd editions): You can update to 15.6
  • iPhone 5S or 6: You cannot update to iOS 13 or higher; you can update only to iOS 12.5.5
  • iPhone 5: You can update only to 10.3.4
  • iPhone 5C: You can update only to 10.3.3
  • iPhone 4S: You can update only to 9.3.6
  • iPhone 4: You can update only to 7.1.2


If your phone supports the latest version, to update over the air from the phone all of these requirements must be met:

  • You need at least 6 GB of free storage
  • You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (and not a personal hotspot) unless it is an iPhone 12 or 13 series or an SE 3rd edition with an active 5G network connection
  • 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
  • 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


If you can't meet all of them you can still update using your computer.

3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Aug 22, 2022 6:06 PM in response to porterhouse

What model phone? Check compatibility:

Go to Settings/General/About and note the Model Name

  • NOTE: iOS 16 is not available for any models except to iOS developers and beta participants. General release will be in Fall, 2022
  • iPhone 12 or 13 series: You can update to 15.6
  • Any model 6S or newer (including original SE, 2nd and 3rd editions): You can update to 15.6
  • iPhone 5S or 6: You cannot update to iOS 13 or higher; you can update only to iOS 12.5.5
  • iPhone 5: You can update only to 10.3.4
  • iPhone 5C: You can update only to 10.3.3
  • iPhone 4S: You can update only to 9.3.6
  • iPhone 4: You can update only to 7.1.2


If your phone supports the latest version, to update over the air from the phone all of these requirements must be met:

  • You need at least 6 GB of free storage
  • You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (and not a personal hotspot) unless it is an iPhone 12 or 13 series or an SE 3rd edition with an active 5G network connection
  • 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
  • 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


If you can't meet all of them you can still update using your computer.

Why will my iPhone not install the latest update

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