Master Your iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide to iOS Updates

This article explains how to get a newer version of iOS using your PC or Mac. Your phone's Settings app is used to update iOS wirelessly but on a computer, you'll open Apple Devices on Windows or Finder on a Mac.

How to Update iOS on Windows

Apple Devices is Apple's device management software for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Install Apple Devices if you don't have it, and then follow these simple directions to update your iPhone:

1. Open Apple Devices and select your iPhone from the list on the left.

2. Select General.

3. Choose Update on the right.

4. Select Update again.

5. Press Next on the release notes screen.

6. Select Agree on the safety info screen.

7. Enter your passcode on your iPhone and then press Continue in Apple Devices to start the update.

How to Update iOS on a Mac

Finder is built into your Mac and is the easiest way to update your iPhone. All you need to do is select your iPhone from the list and then click a few buttons to start updating iOS. Here's how it works:

1. Select the Finder icon at the bottom of the screen.

2. Click your phone from the left side of the Finder window. It's located in the Locations section.

3. Ensure the General tab is chosen, and then select Check for Update (or Update if you see that instead).

4. If an update is available, click Download and Update, or choose Update if it's already been downloaded.

5. Select Next on the prompt that shows the new features included in this version of iOS, and then Agree on the safety information screen.

6. Enter your passcode into the phone and then press Continue on the computer to begin updating iOS.