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

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.

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)

first turn off the beta update then restart your phone. then go to settings >general>software update.. It will take some times on the new update checking according to your internet speed.. after checking it will show two options 1. to update ios 17.7 or 2. upgrade to ios 18.0 directly at the bottom. select to upgrade ios 18.0 then do as the instructions ask to follow on your screen..

MiNi778 wrote:

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.

Unless, of course, you have a Mac.

"I have had my iPhone XR since August now and I’ve been able to download every other update except the iOS 18 I get that my iPhone is old but most iPhones download all of the updates and the XR isn’t the newest but it’s not the oldest please help this".

the XR is compatible with iOS 18. When you click settings>general>software update, what message are you seeing. You should see an update for iOS 17 and if you scroll down a bit, you should see "upgrade to iOS 18". So what are you seeing?

Rosie-_posie wrote:

I have had my iPhone XR since August now and I’ve been able to download every other update except the iOS 18 I get that my iPhone is old but most iPhones download all of the updates and the XR isn’t the newest but it’s not the oldest please help this

The iPhone XR is compatible with iOS 18.

It is one of the oldest iPhones that can run iOS 18. The other two are the iPhone XS and XS Max, which use the same processor chip, have more RAM (4 GB vs. 3 GB), and beat the iPhone XR to market by about a month.

It also has the least amount of RAM of any iPhone that can run iOS 18. Note that upgrading is one-way, so if you install iOS 18 and then decide you would rather be on iOS 17, there will be no going back.

Assuming you are still interested in updating, I'm pretty sure that people have already posted links to articles like these. What happens when you follow the advice in these articles?

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Updating iOS: common issues and solutions - Apple Community

angelie161 wrote:

I’m here on Dec 8 and my iOS 18 is not updating

====================================

Please read the post from Servant of Cats yesterday→Why can't I update my iPhone to iOS 18? - Apple Community

UeASC wrote:

How do I update apple I phone to iOS 18? My phone used to do auto upgrades when not in use & charged over night. I got a notice to upgrade to 18 & install now or tonight I didn’t want to do it till ready.

HOW DO I UPGRADE WHEN READY TO DO SO

Go to Settings/General/About and note the iPhone Model Name, then check its version compatibility from this list:

• iPhone XR, XS, SE 2nd or 3rd edition, iPhone 11 and newer: You can update to iOS 18.2.1
• iPhone 8, and iPhone X you can update to 16.7.10
• Any iPhone series 6S and 7, and original SE: You can update to 15.8.3
• iPhone 5S or 6: You cannot update to iOS 13 or higher; you can update only to iOS 12.5.7
• iPhone 5: You can update only to 10.3.4
• iPhone 5C: You can update only to 10.3.3
• iPhone 4S: You can update only to 9.3.6
• iPhone 4: You can update only to 7.1.2

If your phone is eligible to be updated go to Settings/General/Software Update and follow the instructions.

I had to download iOS 17.7 first, and then iOS18 was available.

Please don’t be quick to install iOS 18 now .

it comes with many bugs and issues .

wait a month or some more weeks to update.