Many users have encountered their iPhone 18 Pro getting stuck while trying to update to the latest iOS version. I was one of them. After extensive troubleshooting, I discovered a solution that has worked for several iPhone 18 Pro users, including my wife’s and my father-in-law’s iPhone 18 Pro. Below is the step-by-step guide that worked for me, along with some additional fixes that might help if you’re still having trouble.
If you are unable to update your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max to the latest iOS version, I suggest that you try the basic troubleshooting steps first:
- Force Restart Your iPhone: A force restart can help resolve an iPhone stuck in the middle of an update. Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo (this might take longer than 10 seconds).
- Switch to a Different Wi-Fi Network: If your Wi-Fi connection is unreliable, try connecting to another network to download the update. From your Home screen, go to Settings, then tap Wi-Fi. Sometimes this simple change makes all the difference.
- Update via iTunes/Finder: If the over-the-air update fails, try using a computer. Open the Finder on your Mac, or open the Apple Devices app on your PC. If your PC doesn’t have the Apple Devices app, or your Mac is using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes instead. Plug your device into your computer. Locate your device on your computer. You may need to trust your device to continue. Click Check for Update. To install an available update, click Update. This method often works when the wireless update does not.
- Free Up Storage Space: Insufficient storage can prevent the update from installing. Check how much free space you have by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Free up space by deleting unused apps, photos, or videos.
- Remove and download: Try redownloading the update with these steps:
- 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.
If nothing above works, try these steps. These are the steps that fixed my issue:
- Create a backup. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network. Open the Settings app, tap your name, then tap iCloud. Tap iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now. Stay connected to your Wi-Fi network until the process ends.
- Erase All Content and Settings (Keep eSIMs): You will need to reset your phone. Go into your phone’s Settings, navigate to General and Transfer or Reset iPhone, and choose Erase All Content and Settings, but be sure to keep your eSIMs intact when asked. This step is crucial to ensure the update proceeds smoothly.
- Set up your new phone as a new device. The key to solving this issue is not to use your old phone for the initial setup. Instead, set up your new phone as a completely new device. Do not transfer any data from your old phone at this stage.
- Download and install iOS: Once you complete the initial setup as a new phone, go ahead and download iOS. Then update your iPhone.
- Restore your iPhone from backup. Turn on your device. You should see a Hello Screen. If you already set up your device, you need to erase all of its content before you can use these steps to restore from your backup. Follow the onscreen setup steps until you reach the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, then tap From iCloud Backup.
