IOS 17.4.1 update stuck

Same issue. Brand new phone. I bypassed the initial setup process without signing in with my Apple ID, per Apple Support’s guidance. Now unfortunately, I can only take calls and receive texts from the new phone.

Everything else, including typing this reply, on my old phone…

I am using iPhone 14 Pro Max and been on 17.3 (I am few versions outdated lol) I've been trying many time for straight three days to update my phone but I experience the same thing. I already tried restarting my phone, turning it off, deleting the update on iPhone storage the try to update again, using different wifi network—BUT NOTHING HAPPENED.

So I am checking just this night if I can update already, but still no. So what I did is that:

1. I plugged my phone to my Macbook using my lightning to type c cord then click "Trust the Device"
2. Open Finder and look for the device name
3. Click General then the update button
4. Just agree with the terms, input your phone's passcode then wait.
5. After the download for update is done, it will ask if you will continue with the update so just confirm
6. Wait again then you're done!!!!!!

I just got mine updated tonight waiting for around 15 minutes only given my internet connection is weak, how much more if it's faster?!?? So try this now besties!

these might help you for much clearer instructions:

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes - Apple Support

connect your iphone to mac usb port and launch update from iTunes

I can confirm this method does infact work. I just did it with my new Iphone 15. It is a multi step process but works!

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

I talked to a lady last night at Tech Support and she told me there was no problem with the update that sometimes it just takes a little while to get there. I told her she needs to get on the Internet and see everybody who’s having problems.

Hi all, PC user here and I'm going off what a MAC user said in another post. My only way to force 17.4.1 to update was to hook it up to my computer and force update it through iTUNES. Hope this helps! I'm using iTunes on PC and this worked fine just now. I could never get past Preparing using just the phone.

Finally got it working;

SOLUTION...

This has been driving me mad today. Solution seemed to be to start it up as a new iphone instead of restoring from my previous iphone. Then plugging into my macbook and downloading and installing 17.4.1 from the macbook Then erase and restore and then transfer from previous device.

Here in Germany too. New IPhone 15 Pro Max and can’t update to IOS 17.4.1.

Same problem with my MacBook Air. I didn’t used my MacBook for a while, yesterday I checked for updates….Downloaded the update but then waiting for hours….

This worked for me, bypass all sign in and transfer options, go to settings download update, then factory reset your phone but keep eSIM then start new phone and transfer from old phone or icloud and it works. Thanks a lot Apple... thanks for posting! was driving me crazy!

Bought brand new iPhone 15 pro max with lot expectation and it's getting update requested since last 4 hours nothing happening... Frustrating 😏

Apple Support, No meaning for this term "Support" or give a clause before we buy that we need min these many hours to get load your expensive brand new iPhone 😭

Same problem, Apple. iPhone 14 plus bought 2 months ago won't upgrade to iOS 17.4.1. Stuck on "Preparing Update..." for up to 6 hours so far and counting. Even after a hard reboot (vol up, down, hold power) it still won't advance through the process. Yes it's fully charged and plugged in and on WIFI. Help please!

Guys, jasilyn242 is right!

This is the solution:

1. Activate the phone without transferring any data to it.
2. Don't setup iCloud.
3. Once you reach the phone's home screen, open Settings, go to General & download the latest software update.
4. Once the update is installed, reset the phone completely - erase all of it's content.
5. Restart the activation process
6. You should be able to transfer your data whichever way you prefer.

I can't believe Apple still hasn't fixed this bug.

What a horrible waste of time 💀

Good luck people,

Alex.

I’m having the same issue with my new iPad Pro - hung up on install of iOS 17.4.1.

Does anyone have a fix?

I have called Apple and they were no help! Stuck on "preparing update" for 2 days! Tried everything! Trying to transfer to my new iPhone! This is maddening!