How do I fix 'An error occurred downloading iOS 26.6.1' on iPhone 16 Pro Max?

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How do I fix 'An error occurred downloading iOS 26.6.1' on iPhone 16 Pro Max?

iPhone 16 Pro Max Unable to Download iOS 26.6.1 – “Software Update Failed”

I’m having a persistent problem updating my iPhone 16 Pro Max to iOS 26.6.1.

The update appears normally under Settings → General → Software Update, but when I try to download it, the phone stays on “Update Requested…” and eventually shows:

“Software Update Failed

An error occurred downloading iOS 26.6.1. Try again later.”

I have tried multiple times, including refreshing the Software Update page. Interestingly, the displayed update size is not always exactly the same. After refreshing, I have seen the update size change between approximately 743 MB and 746 MB.

The problem happens repeatedly and I have not been able to download the update successfully.

Device: iPhone 16 Pro Max

Current iOS: iOS 26.6

Target version: iOS 26.6.1

Update method: Over the Air (Settings → General → Software Update)

I have already tried:

Restarting the iPhone
Force restarting the iPhone
Retrying the update multiple times
Refreshing the Software Update page
Using Wi-Fi
Checking the update repeatedly

The update consistently fails during the download stage rather than during installation.

I have also noticed other users reporting very similar problems with iOS 26.6.1, including an iPhone 14 user whose device stays at “Update Requested” and then fails, as well as another recent report specifically from an iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Could Apple please confirm whether there is currently an issue with the iOS 26.6.1 OTA download/update servers or distribution?

I would also appreciate any recommended troubleshooting steps specifically for this “An error occurred downloading iOS 26.6.1” issue.

Thank you.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: IOS UPDATE FAILED IOS 26.6.1

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Posted on Aug 18, 2026 4:56 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Ingo2711

Community+ 2026

Level 10

86,001 points

Aug 18, 2026 11:49 PM in response to Saeidtaghiha

Did you also try to delete the old update files?

...

If you still can't install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, try downloading the update again:

Go to Settings.
Tap General.
Tap [Device] Storage.
Find the update in the list of apps.
Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.
Go to Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Software Update and download the latest update.

If you don't see the update in the list of apps or if the issue happens again, you need to update your device using a Mac or using iTunes.

...

copied from: If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support

Also make sure, that your iPhone is connected to the charger during the update process, and no VPN or Firewall is blocking the contact to Apple servers.

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