In this article, I explain what you can do to fix any iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max updating issue. You may not be able to update your device for a few different reasons, ranging from low storage space to poor Internet connections. I will explain how you can address these issues that may cause this problem so that you can pinpoint the issue affecting your device.
It is important that you update your iPhone: keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product’s security.
The update process is usually simple. You can update your iPhone wirelessly or by using your computer. Your iPhone can update automatically also if you turn on this option.
Why your iPhone 18 Pro won’t update to the latest version of iOS, and how to troubleshoot it
If you are experiencing this, there are a few possible reasons. But do not worry, I will explain how you can work your way through the troubleshooting tips below to determine why you can’t update.
Is your connection poor?
You need an internet connection to update your iPhone. The download time depends on the update size and your internet speed. Are you getting error messages like these:
- “Unable to Check for Update. An error occurred while checking for a software update.”
- “Unable to Check for Update. Checking for a software update failed because you are not connected to the internet.”
Open Safari and visit a website (like google.com), does the website load? If you are unable to see the website, this indicates that your Internet connection may be bad or unstable. If this is the issue you are experiencing, downloading the update may also take a long time. If the downloading is taking too long, or if you receive an error message like the ones above, I recommend that you try these:
- Use a reliable Wi-Fi network. And restart your Wi-Fi router/modem. Restart your router and cable modem by unplugging the devices and then plugging them back in.
- Restart your iPhone. And then try to update.
- Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears.
- Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off.
- To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.
- Turn Airplane Mode on and off in the Settings app. Wait five seconds between turning Airplane Mode on and off.
- If you are using a VPN service or a proxy server, disable it, and then try again. VPN or proxy connections might prevent your device from contacting the update servers.
- Connect your iPhone to a different Wi-Fi network and use this network to update your iPhone. For example, I think you may go to a friend’s house or another place and connect your iPhone to their Wi-Fi.
Need more space?
If a message asks to temporarily remove apps because the software needs more space for the update, tap Continue to allow the system to remove apps. After installation is complete, those apps are automatically reinstalled. If you tap Cancel instead, you can delete content manually from your device to add more space.
Remove and try again
If your iPhone is still not updating to the latest version, I think that the second tip you should do is to remove the update file and then try to update again. This is easy to do:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap iPhone 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.
Remove your SIM card
Several users who experienced this problem have said to me that removing and reinserting the SIM card fixed this problem for them. You can try this as it is an easy thing to do. Also, I should say that if your iPhone is a US model, it has no SIM card: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max use advanced eSIM technology (not compatible with physical SIM cards). I recommend that you check this article: Remove or switch the SIM card in your iPhone. Basically, turn off your iPhone. Remove the SIM and then put it back in. To pop open the SIM tray, insert a paper clip or a SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the tray. Push in, towards your iPhone, but don’t force it. Restart your iPhone and then try to update again.
Update your iPhone with your Mac or PC using Finder or iTunes
If you are still having this update problem, then you can use your computer to update your iPhone 18 Pro. This is also easy.
- Open the Finder window on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later.
- Connect your device to your computer.
- Select your device in the left sidebar of the Finder window.
- Click General, then click Check for Update.
- Click Download and Update. Continue following the onscreen instructions.
- If asked, enter your passcode.
If you are using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, update your device using iTunes. If you’re using a Windows PC, open the iTunes app.
An error appears when you update with your computer?
If you see Error 4037, unlock your device first. Your computer can’t update a locked device. For other error numbers, check iOS update and restore errors for the steps that match your error.
