iOS 15.7 Update Download Failed

Whether or not you are able to update any iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.6

Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 15.7

If your iPad is capable of being updated to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, it may be too far behind the current version to be updated directly from iPad settings. In such circumstances you will likely need to use a computer to perform the update. You will need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

I had to delete about 10 g even though I had 4 g remaining. But after I deleted I was able to upgrade to iOS 16

I was able to call apple as well who told me to delete 10 g It worked. My internet was slow so it took awhile

good luck

TL;DR; I looks like you need at least 6GB of free storage to install this update (at least in my case).

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I have an iPhone 12 and I had a problem with installing 15.7 on 15.6.1. I literally try everything to update. Restarting (up+down+power), turning off, using different networks types and providers, starting with different battery levels, with power plugged in and not. I tried for 3 days. Mostly because every time I got error message that there was a problem with downloading. That was really confusing. But apparently it’s a problem with unpacking and preparing an update. I started to free my phone memory checking if I can update after each app/file deletion. It worked just after I got to 6GB of free memory.

Shame on Apple that they didn’t confirm-

/tested the requirements and that this upgrade need so much free space. Also more useful error messages would be appreciated.

I had the same problem with my second generation Iphone SE. it all finally worked when I freed up enough space to get to 6.3 GB, it didn’t work when I tried at various intervals along the way.

At the same time my iPad Pro 2nd generation had no problem updating IPad iOS 15.7 with only 2Gb free space.

Thank you for your input, it’s much appreciated. Cheers.

@jkitchen21I had the same issue. Shutdown iphone, waited 5 secs, restarted it and re-downloaded the ios did the trick. I do wish too some errors would be more explicit and I do wish people on the forum would immediately recognize questions asked by noobs and by people who know at least a decent amount of IT stuff to do some self research before posting (battery charged, disk space, eligible update, good coverage, etc.. ) . Currently in Preparing update stage, which it never reached before, so feeling hopeful, see you on the other side!

Just thought I’d add some notes to getting past the issue for my iPhone 12 mini.

One other issue to note, was trying to update via iTunes, connected via the computer brought up another error message, stating I needed the latest version of iTunes. I checked that, and found I did have the latest version, so just fyi.

I cleared up 6GB of space, had auto updates off, and powered off my phone for ~ 2 minutes. Powered back on, and was able to install 15.7 via Wi-Fi. I did note some bugs, for example, I could not reply to an email, as hitting reply looped back to the email I wanted to respond to. So, I powered off the iPhone again, waited two minutes, powered it back on and was able to reply.

Thanks again for those that helped!

Storage capacity is one of the most common causes of iOS updates failing. The solution is simple if you are willing to make some temporary sacrifices, such as eliminating music, apps, images, and movies. There must be just enough deletions to make room for the iOS update's storage requirements.

The 2nd gen mini is only able to be upgraded to iOS 12.x so that could be the issue.

You folks with iphone questions would be better served to make your own threads in the iphone forum instead of tacking onto the original one in the ipad forum.

Phones and iPads do not share the same operating system anymore….it’s very similar but phones run iOS and IPads run iPadOS.

Beyond that try to reboot your phone and see if that helps. Sometimes a reboot helps to clear any temp files that may be causing an issue.

Since there are a couple of other people that also report having issues there could also be something with Apple’s servers and the best thing to do would be to try back in a bit after things are sorted.

As to the storage issue you may also want to unload some apps temporarily. Major updates like this often need space to ‘unpack’ so to speak.

Do not tell us what to do here.

I had NO issues in updating three iPads to iOS 15.7.

No one here with this issue, to date, has given to those who wish to help, all information that is needed to be able to give solid advice or redommendations to attempt to solve this issue.

So, I will ask now.

Can anyone, with an issue updating to iPadOS 15.7, please, confirm what year and model iPad do you have/own?

The “A” model number can be found on the aluminium back of your iPad, in very small print, right under the larger bold print “iPad” on the back of the iPad.

What iOS/iPadOS version is this iPad, currently, running?

What is the rated, internal data storage space/capacity of your iPad model and how much of this free, internal data storage capacity is left inside of your iPad model?

All of that additional info can be found in the Settings app, General settings panel, About.

Please try to make an attempt to answer all questions asked.

Thank You.

I’m not offended at all; I don’t have issue at all in volunteering help to those asking for help - but lets back-up here…

The OPs original post (by randall3376) explicitly states having difficulty updating an iPad mini2 - to which my initial reply relates. My reply provided detailed explanation relating to older models iPad, such as the mini2, that cannot updated. Information was also provided additional information in case the iPad model had been misidentified.

You have since hijacked somebody else’s thread, with an unrelated problem - providing an iPhone screenshot. So yes, perhaps is true that the information provided here is of no relevance to you - with your entirely unrelated problem.

I can only suggest that you seek assistance from the iPhone community - and I sincerely wish you well in doing so.

You should NOT be using any iPad with ONLY 2 GBs of internal, free data storage space.

ALL iOS/iPadOS devices need to maintain, at the very least, a minimum of between 3-6 GBs of free data storage space, AT ALL TIMES, to insure normal/nominal functionalities/operation and general overall performance of any iOS device running iOS/iPadOS..

Are you guys trying to download over Wifi or cellular? If cellular do you want to try to download it on wifi?

free up space on phone, probably around 10Gb fro full capacity should be free

Here we go! Took forever, 30 mins to do preparation and 2 reboots during update process (black background, small progress line in white and white apple logo) . this never happened to me before but I guess now I can tell one more story. As son as I will have a moment will also update to ios 16.

TL;DR: shutdown iphone, wait 5 seconds, restart iphone , upgrade to 15.7 and then really go drink a coffee and have a 30 mins walk :-)