IOS 17.4.1 UPDATE TAKING VERY LONG !

I had the exact same issue , but finally figured it out! I went to Setting , General, erase content. (But I kept my ESIM). I started all the way over and this time I did not put in my iCloud information when setting the phone up and I bypassed all the Face ID and other suggestions so it was a brand new phone with nothing on it. I then updated to the new IOS (took about 20 minutes.) After that updated , I erased everything again and this time I did transfer from another phone and that took about 30 minutes.

If you try to do it while transferring over all you data it takes forever so do the update first without an iCloud/Apple ID (you can also plug into a MacBook/PC and update that way) and then go back and transfer everything over.

I wish I would’ve thought of that before I wasted 16 hours of my time.

I finally got on my PC, downloaded iTunes, plugged phone in, downloaded. 17.4.1 (7.66GB!), which took approx 15mins, it transferred to

hpone in about another 15min. Then had to reset the phone and transfer data from old phone. About another 45mins later the phone is 90% useable. Typical app download stuff to finish and sign-ins, etc

All in, this was over a 13hr adventure.

Note, I have 1gb/s internet with wifi speeds of over 650mb/s, so that was never an issue.

[Edited by Moderator]

I fixed this issue. See below. I had this same problem last night. Was on the phone with T-Mobile for 1.5 hours and wasn’t able to get ahold of Apple Support.

moving from a IPhone 13pro max to a 15 pro max. I attempted the update wirelessly but kept getting stuck on either “requesting update” or “preparing update”. Would never move forward.

stop all the updates over the air. Plug your new phone into the computer and update it via iTunes or Apple MacBook. This will directly force it to your phone.

saved my butt.

This is a known issue when activating new devices. The iOS update process has some incompatibility with the transfer service to new device process. The solution is to upgrade your new device to 17.4.1 without trying to transfer data or service from your old device. You can bypass the transfer and go to the iOS update. After the update completes, reset the new device to factory settings, cycle the old device and then transfer the service. (Worked for me... had to spend an hour at the Verizon store to get this solution.)

Do you have a computer? If so, restart your phone to start the Wwelcome screen process again. Then plug your phone into the computer and force update it via iTunes or Apple Mac book. Had the same issue last night and resolved it.

As a resolution, I got around the software update hanging by running the update through my macbook.

Restore all content to iPhone from a backup - Apple Support (CA)

There seems to be a problem with the update server. You can wait until it is fixed, but I suggest contacting Apple Support. They may have a workaround, but even if they don’t it will still be logged, and that will perhaps goad Apple into fixing the problem. Go to Contact Official Apple Support

Sometimes, it just takes a very long time with the first update. I don’t think you need to worry. However, if it’s still ‘preparing’ tomorrow, then try calling Apple. If you think there’s something defective, consider returning it or having it checked.

Force update it via your computer. It seems to be the only way.

Same issue. Tried 3 times for 1-2 hours each time.

With the number of reports (>50 today), it may be an issue with the update server as suggested

A quick Google shows this is a widespread issue and not a defective device.

Having the same issue, won’t update on my 13 pro and or my new out the box 15 pro. Tried numerous times the last 4 hours and it’s been stuck on 1 second, then on requesting update, then on preparing update. Driving me nuts!

I’ve tried 3 separate times. I let it go overnight for approximately 8hrs and it was stuck in Preparing Update. Tried again and it’s been at “1 second remaining” for over 10 minutes. I’m trying to set up a new device. Why did Apple remove the “skip update” option when setting up a new device? I now have a 13 with SOS service and a 15 PM that has service but nothing else, so basically useless.

Very frustrating. I don’t recall having update issues this bad prior to iOS 17. But every update since 17 gets increasingly more painful.

after 6hours of not being able to use my new iPhone 15 pro due to Apple update block, I am returning it to the Sydney Apple store tomorrow. Never had this issue before after 15 years an Apple customer.

NO COMMUNICATION from Apple for what is a major issue.

Sorry, you have dropped the apple and I am not confident in your product any longer.

I’m currently switching over to a new IPhone 13 Pro Max from my current IPhone 13 PM due to a repair issue, and it has been stuck on ‘preparing update’ since 4:30 PM YESTERDAY (4/11/24). As of right now it’s 9:08 AM the next day (4/12/24) I’m unsure on what to do because my current phone is completely useless as my SIM card is in the new phone. Please someone help 😭