Why can't I update my iPhone to iOS 18?

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

• If you have an iPhone 5S or 6/6plus, the highest you can update to is 12.5.7

• If you have an iPhone 6S through 7, or SE 1st generation, you can update to 15.8.3

• If you have an iPhone 8 or X, you can update to 16.7.10

• If you have an iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), or XR through 15, you can update to 17.7 or 18

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

This link will show you how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using WiFi -

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

This link will show you how to update using your computer -

Update iOS on iPhone - Apple Support

hi guys! i was able to fix this issue!! i was on the ios18 beta after trying and failing to install ios18 8 times, i had to delete my apple beta testing account. to do this, just sign into your beta tester account and click "delete profile" afterwards i restarted my phone the update finally went through!

I downloaded 17.7 first. Then when it was installed I went to software updates again and saw 17.7 was my current version. But now—at the bottom of the version page there was a link to update to IOS 18.

What happens when you try?

Can you post a screenshot of the whole screen, it could reveal why you aren't able to update.

Make sure you:

• Are using a WiFi connection (not a hotspot).

• You have an active cell signal (You need both WiFi and cellular service to perform the upgrade).

• Are not using a VPN connection.

• Have your battery charged at least 50%. Better yet, keep it plugged in during the update.

• Do not have power save mode turned on.

• Do not have a beta version installed.

• You have at least 10 gigs of storage available.

Click on this link on what to do if you can't update your phone -

If your iPhone or iPad won't update – Apple Support (UK)

If you are only given the option to update to 17.7.7 go ahead and update to that.

Once it’s complete go back and check for further updates. It should give you the option to update to 18.0 at that time.

Good luck. Finished mine last night.

Do you have a VPN installed? My phone updated in about 5 mins, However my Ipad would not update. Check if my VPN was running it was. I shut VPN off and Ipad updated right away.

Download itunes to your computer, connect your phone via wire to the computer and do it through itunes. Clanky but worked for me after everything to do it directly via iphone failed.

Can you post a screenshot of the whole screen, it could reveal why you aren't able to update.

Make sure you:

• Are using a WiFi connection (not a hotspot).

• You have an active cell signal (You need both WiFi and cellular service to perform the upgrade).

• Are not using a VPN connection.

• Have your battery charged at least 50%. Better yet, keep it plugged in during the update.

• Do not have power save mode turned on.

• Do not have a beta version installed.

• You have at least 10 gigs of storage available.

Click on this link on what to do if you can't update your phone -

If your iPhone or iPad won't update – Apple Support (UK)

ToughMama420 wrote:

I have an iPhone 14 and the only option I have in my updates is the 17.7.1. There’s no option for 18. Please help us apple.

Check that you didn't overlook something. When my phone offered me a choice of iOS 17.7 or iOS 18, it led with a big panel offering the iOS 17.7 upgrade, and mentioned iOS 18 in a much smaller area at the bottom of the screen.

I had kind of the same issue! At first, I kept checking Software Update, and I even restarted my iPhone 14, but it still took FOREVER to download iOS 18. 🤦‍♂️

Eventually, I just updated using my computer. I connected my iPhone to it, opened the software (you can choose the software that fit your PC/Mac), and checked for updates there. And it downloaded iOS 18.3 really soon, then my phone was able to upgrade smoothly!!

Try it out with your computer—it really helps! You can also check out the links below:

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

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

✌ Hope this can help!

Scroll down on the Update page.

I have the same problem and solved by turning OFF the beta options here:

After that IOS 18 was at the bottom ⤵️ f the screen.

[Edited by Moderator]

If you have Beta Updates turned on under software update settings, turn it off.

Congo90 wrote:

It’s probably best for you to stay on iOS 17 iOS 18 is draining my battery rapidly. I have lost 10% battery within a few minutes. Just wait on the iOS 18. Wish I did.

Every time you do a major iOS update, the phone has to do a lot of background tasks. This can take up to a couple of days. During that time, you may find your battery drains more quickly, and you may need to use a bit more data. That is perfectly normal.

mary_shami wrote:

I think the official iOS 18 version is still rolling out -- I have a 12 pro max and I see it available, so you should get it soon!

It was released to everyone on Monday. Some people are not scrolling down far enough. Other people need to leave the beta program.