On iPhone and iPad, Apple gives users granular control over the downloading and installation of system software updates. This article will introduce you to these options.

Prevent iPhone Automatically Installing Software Updates


In earlier versions of iOS, new software updates were automatically downloaded in the background and then installed through the Automatic Updates feature. But in modern versions of iOS, you can customize automatic updates more selectively.

  1. Open Settings ➝ General.
  2. Click Software Update.
  3. Click Auto-Update.

Prevent iPhone Automatically Installing Software Updates


Automatic update settings

The last screen shows you three settings that can be turned on and off. The first two settings under Automatic Installation involve automatic installation of iOS updates and Rapid Security Response updates.

iOS updates are regular software updates that can come in the form of major software updates (such as iOS 18) and iteration point releases (such as iOS 18.1). Major updates are usually several gigabytes in size, while iterative releases are usually smaller.

Security response and system files refer to Apple's Rapid Security Response updates. Rapid Security Response updates added in iOS 16 are designed to make it faster and easier for companies to deploy security improvements to iPhone users without the need for a full iOS update.

When these settings are enabled, the software updates will be installed automatically when iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked.

If you enable the third setting, iOS Updates (under "Automatic Downloads"), this will automatically download ready-to-install iOS software updates, fast security responses, and system files, but most importantly, they will not automatically Installation even if the above three conditions are met.

This means you retain control over when downloaded updates are installed, which you can do at any time by going to Settings ➝ General➝ "Software Update" and select "Install Now" to complete.

Manually delete downloaded updates

If for any reason you are unable to install the latest version of iOS, you can delete the downloaded update and follow the steps below to download it again.

  1. Go to Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage.
  2. Find the update in the list of apps.
  3. Tap Updates, then tap Delete update.
  4. Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update and download the latest update.

If you don't see the update in the list of apps or the problem recurs, you'll need to update your device by connecting it to your computer using the included cable.

Remove Rapid Security Response Updates

You can remove Quick Security Response from your device by going to Settings ➝ General ➝ About, tap iOS Version, and then tap Remove Security Updates (if available). You can then reinstall Rapid Security Response later or wait for it to be installed permanently as part of a standard software update.

The above are the details of preventing iPhone from automatically installing software updates. For more information, please pay attention to other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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                            <p style="display: inline-flex;float: right; color:#333333;">Source: macrumors.com</p>
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