How to update your iPhone

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Apple regularly releases updates for the iPhone throughout the year, with a major update every fall that coincides with the release of the latest iPhone models.

This year, iOS 18.1 was released on October 28, 2024, introducing Apple Intelligence features along with various AI enhancements and security patches.

The iOS 18.1 update brings new customization options, enhancements to Siri, and the introduction of AI-generated emojis called Genmoji.

These updates offer new features that may not have been included in the major release, along with necessary security patches and bug fixes.

With each update, Apple aims to transition your iOS from an older version to the latest one, ensuring your iPhone remains secure and up-to-date. You can choose to update your iPhone manually or allow it to update automatically.

And while most people go the automatic route, some prefer to get it as soon as it drops. With this latest update, I imagine people are refreshing their settings page more than ever.

Whichever way you choose, we’ll show you how to get there. Here’s how you update your iPhone.

How to update your iPhone

If you are ready to update your iPhone, follow the steps below. This works for any update, whether it is a minor update or a major one.

Before you start, it’s worth checking if your iPhone is compatible. Every iPhone since the iPhone X is compatible, so think about possibly upgrading if you are on an older model.

1. Open Settings Tap on the Settings app.

2. Navigate to General Tap on the General category.

3. Open Software Update Tap on Software Update.

4. Select the update
   Tap Upgrade to iOS 18.1.
   

5. Download the update Tap on the Download and Install button.

6. Confirm the install Tap on Install, then wait for the iPhone to finish updating and reboot itself.
   

7. And you’re done
   

Pro Tip

While you’re still on the update menu, tap on Automatic Updates and make sure that both toggles next to Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates are green. By doing this, you’ll never have to update your iPhone again manually.

Now, your iPhone has been updated to the latest version, iOS 18.1, introducing Apple Intelligence and all its new features directly to your iPhone.

If there’s one thing we can’t stress enough, remember to keep your automatic updates enabled so you can get all the new updates without ever having to think about it.

That wasn’t hard, was it? Are there any other iPhone tips and tricks you’d like to see? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Kevin Raposo

Kevin is KnowTechie's founder and executive editor. With over 15 years of blogging experience in the tech industry, Kevin has transformed what was once a passion project into a full-blown tech news publication. Shoot him an email at kevin@knowtechie.com.