Updating iOS and apps without WiFi

Definitely a valid concern, best way to voice your feedback is through the dedicated feedback page: Feedback - iPhone - Apple

ooBartek wrote:

In its current state iOS does not let you download system or apps updates without WiFi. With apps it is technically possible if you go through each app one by one and manually request it to update over cellular network but that is very buggy and cumbersome. Neither does it let you enable automatic updates over cellular.

Limiting updates to WiFi might make sense in the United States which has poor cellular networks. But in Europe 4G and 5G is everywhere and you can get mobile internet with unlimited or very high GB limits.

iOS should let users enable automatic iOS system and app updates over cellular networks.

That already a feature with iphone 13 or higher on 5G networks. You can update ios and apps on cellular data.

ooBartek Said:

"Updating iOS and apps without WiFi: In its current state iOS does not let you download system or apps updates without WiFi.[...]"

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Updating the iOS W/O WiFi:



Update Using a Computer and Ethernet:

Try updating via a computer. Go Here: Update your iPhone Using a Computer - User Tip.

Using Ethernet:

If you cannot use Wi-Fi, then use Ethernet. On the computer, you would connect it through Ethernet, going directly into your router. For a Mac (or PC) that does not have Ethernet, this would be the adapter to use: Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Apple

ooBartek Said:

"Updating iOS and apps without WiFi: In its current state iOS does not let you download system or apps updates without WiFi.[...]"

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Updating the iOS W/O WiFi or a Computer:

When it comes to updating an iPhone, aside from WiFi or a Computer, your only other option from there is to use Cellular. But, your device is not capable of performing this. You need an iPhone 12 or later with 5G service to perform this. See my User Tip: Use an iPhone 12 or later, that is using 5G, in order to update over Cellular - User Tip

In its current state iOS does not let you download system or apps updates without WiFi

Really? My Mac is connected to my router using a wired Ethernet connection. Wi-Fi is turned off. Yet, I can update the iPhones here without using Wi-Fi.

You can do everything that you ask, but you will need a newer phone that is capable of 5G and a 5G network connection from your carrier.

I want to update my iPhone