How can I permanently turn off auto updates and in-app info on iphone15

I am having a software issue w/iphone 15 and want to minimize anything going into my phone that I don't know about. I have, since buying first Apple computers, been careful about all updates/new OSs, and altho bad experience with such things is far less, it still occurs.


Because of long-term habits, I have toggled off all auto updates and the like on my phone, with the notable exception of App auto updates/in-app info. I just discovered that I cannot toggle these off and keep them off...every day I have to go in and re-do it. I found this out only when carefully going in and looking at every single option on every single item on my phone, and it turns out the App auto stuff IS causing an issue.


Please help!

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Jul 15, 2025 11:05 AM

Reply
8 replies

Jul 15, 2025 4:08 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

settings > apps>app store> automatic downloads> toggle switches for App downloads, App updates, in-app content.


Thanks for professional response.


Re: monitoring updates, I actually do read the blurbs that accompany updates. I have few apps and decades of experience using Apple computers in a business, for school, for professional purposes. Recently had an Ultra 2 watch issue and hours and hours of technical support including watch replacements, resetting, setting up as new watch and after hearing multiple times "it can't be your phone that is causing the problem," did one final attempt. Reset watch, re-paired to my phone, tried on husband's wrist, same glitch. Reset watch, paired it to my husband's phone, put it on his wrist, problem solved...kinda looked like my phone was the issue. I used his wrist because apple said it had to be a wrist issue. Eventually (this is after 6months), I made a final effort to strip my phone down, looked at how my backups were being transmitted, deleted any unnecessary phone apps, eliminated notifications, automatic services...(re-setting phone would be last step, if stripped down phone didn't work). Re-set watch, re-paired watch to my stripped down phone...and, for the first time in 6 or 7 months, I have a fully functional apple watch (on my not defective wrist). I will add stuff back into my phone gradually, as needed. So maybe I am a micromanager, but a mostly happy one.

Jul 15, 2025 4:37 PM in response to eskimodoc

Honestly, it must be exhausting micromanaging every app and iOS update from happening. Updates usually either bring new features and almost always bring bug fixes/stability improvements. I would never do what you're doing on any of my devices. I update when iOS updates are released and I let my apps update immediately when updates are released for them. If an issue arrises from an update (which is truly rare), I can then deal with the issue for that issue as opposed to living in fear an update will cause an issue.


[Edited by Moderator]

Jul 15, 2025 11:55 PM in response to eskimodoc

Re: “… [they are located at] settings > apps>app store> automatic downloads> toggle switches …”.


Thank you for providing that level of detail. 👍


My own were “off” as well (i.e. set for Manual Updates) — which is what I too prefer; and have used for years — although I’m not sure I ever would have found where that setting was now located.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How can I permanently turn off auto updates and in-app info on iphone15

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.