iPhone 15 Stuck on Software Update

I called apple support for this issue and they told me to just wait… they said their update took 4 hours! That is just ridiculous for a small update

volume up

volume down

hold site button

swipe to power phone off

turn phone back on and it will switch screen to “transferring data from iPhone”

Well, seems as if I am in good company. I upgraded my 14 pro max to the 15 pro max and I too have began the setup and now had it waiting for 12hrs to update. I have restarted the process, turned off the VPN plugged it in again nothing. I am on the fastest broadband allegedly in the UK with Virgin Media. Currently my health is not good and I am awaiting heart surgery and getting to an Apple Store atm is not feasible. This is a ridiculous situation to be in and it may well be going back

Connecting to a computer is GREAT….IF you have the USB-C connector to plug into the USB port. These idiots at Apple decided to change the charging ports now and that eliminates the Lightning plugs! Now I need to buy adapters!

What a rubbish start to a new iPhone15. The unboxing/set-up process used to be immaculate. Tried updating, resets etc. Just hanging on ‘4 seconds remaining’ for hours. Had to plug into a desktop in the end to download the software.

For all those having this issue

Try and delete the update file and install the update again:

Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.

Find the update in the list of apps.

Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.

If this is not working try and install the update via a pc or Mac instead

Update your iPhone using a Mac with macOS Catalina or higher

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or higher, you will use the finder in order to upgrade your iPhone. Make sure to Back up your device before starting the upgrade process.

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, you will follow the following steps:

1. Open a finder window
2. Connect your device to your Mac via a lighting to usb A or a lightning to usb c cable On the iPhone 15 series, use an usb c to usb c cable.
3. Select your device in the left sidebar of the finder window
4. click general, then click check for update
5. Click download and update.
6. If asked, enter your iPhone passcode

Update your iPhone via a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a Windows PC

On macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a windows machine, we won't use the Finder to upgrade your iOS

Instead, we will use iTunes. Make sure to Back up your device before doing any update or upgrade to your phone.

1. Open iTunes
2. connect your device to the computer with an lightning to usb a or a lightning to usb c cable. On the iPhone 15 series, use an usb c to usb c cable.
3. Click device button in the iTunes toolbar
4. In the summary tab, click check for update
5. Click download and update, follow The on screen instructions
6. If asked, enter your iPhone passcode.

See this user tip I have written about the update process for further reference

Updating/upgrading your iPhone - Apple Community

I fixed the issue by turning off the iPhone and then going through the setup process without restoring from an iPhone. I then manually updated the iPhone through the settings.

Once it was updated to the latest OS I was able to go through the process of wiping the iPhone and then restoring from my old iPhone.

This is not a good experience, Apple please pay people to fix this. IDK what tech companies are doing laying everyone off or not hiring enough people to have really basic things work.

Mine has the same issue. I had change 3 wifi venues n still no changes from the screen and I have no idea either it’s updating or not.

If it is still showing Downloading, then restart and try again. Most likely due to slow server speed from everyone updating. By trying again, you will most likely get a faster connection.

This is exactly what is happening with my brand new phone. It's stuck in "Preparing Update" and I am forced to take the update.

was there ever a solution to this? mine is stuck in the same spot

Why so long to update the iphone 15

ive been waiting for 30mins is it normal

Exact same thing happened to me. I am trying to get my old phone back on but it’s SOS right now. Spoke to Verizon and was on the phone to them for 2 hours with the update just spinning. It’s definitely an Apple thing but who know when they will fix it. You can get your old phone back with giving them the IEMI number but my problem is my new phone is in the cue for being activated as it’s stuck. What a nightmare!!!!!!!!

For MacBook/iMac device holders: I waited 5 hours until I read one of the responses stating they finished updating when they went to the Apple Store. I plugged my iPhone into my iMac and had to update it through there. If you have an apple computer device, I suggest you plug it in - finder - iphone(left column) - update device.

If you don’t, you need to take it to an Apple Store or to someone who’ll let you borrow their MacBook.

I had a similar problem with my brand-new iPhone 15 Pro Max. I am stuck at the iOS update stage, and it was downloading halfway.

I saw one of the posts here about using a Mac and decided to plug my iPhone into my MacBook Pro, which solved the problem. After connecting your iPhone to the Mac, it will show up in the sidebar in the Finder.

Click on the iPhone, and you can update it from there. Didn't face any problems with downloading and installing the iOS to the new phone. Everything is smooth.