The fastest way to update apps on your iPhone

Open the App Store app, then tap the account icon in the bottom right corner (it looks like a person's head and shoulders). Tap "App Updates" to see which apps have new versions waiting. From there, you can update individual apps by tapping the cloud icon next to each one, or tap "Update All" to install every pending update at once.

If you want updates to happen automatically without you checking, you can turn that on in Settings. Go to Settings > App Store, scroll down, and toggle on "App Updates" under the Automatic Downloads section. Your iPhone will then download and install app updates in the background whenever it's connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in.

The App Store also shows you what's new in each update before you install it. When you see an app waiting for an update, tap "Version History" to read what the developers changed or fixed. This helps you understand whether an update matters for how you use that app.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the account icon in the App Store app, then "App Updates" to see which apps need updating right now.
  • You can update one app at a time or tap "Update All" to install every pending update in one go.
  • Turn on automatic updates in Settings > App Store > Automatic Downloads so your iPhone updates apps in the background without you checking.
  • Read "Version History" before updating to see what the developers changed or fixed in the new version.

Why app updates matter

App updates do three main things: they add new features you might want to use, they fix bugs that make the app crash or behave oddly, and they patch security problems that could let someone access your data. You don't need to update every app the moment a new version appears, but security updates are worth installing fairly soon.

Developers release updates on their own schedule, so some apps get new versions every few weeks while others go months between updates. An app that hasn't been updated in a year doesn't necessarily mean it's broken — it might just mean the developer finished it and doesn't need to change it. But if an app stops working after you update your iPhone to a new iOS version, the developer usually releases an update within a few days to fix the problem.

Checking for updates manually versus automatic updates

Manual checking takes a few taps but gives you control over when updates happen. This is useful if you're on a limited data plan, since app updates can be large files. You can check whenever you want and choose which apps to update first. The downside is you have to remember to check, and you might miss important security fixes.

Automatic updates are the simpler choice for most people. Your iPhone downloads and installs updates only when it's on Wi-Fi and plugged into power, so it won't eat into your data plan or drain your battery. You don't have to think about it. The tradeoff is that you can't control exactly when updates happen, though you can still see what changed by opening the app and looking for a "What's New" section.

What to do if an app won't update

If you tap the cloud icon next to an app and nothing happens, first check that you're connected to Wi-Fi and have enough storage space. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see how much free space you have. Apps need room to download and install, so if you're below 1 GB free, delete something you don't use and try again.

If you have space and Wi-Fi but the update still won't start, try signing out of the App Store and signing back in. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Sign Out, wait a few seconds, then sign back in with your Apple ID. Then go back to App Updates and try again.

If that doesn't work, restart your iPhone by holding down the power button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on and try the update again. Most update problems clear up after a restart.

Understanding update notifications

If you have automatic updates turned off, the App Store shows a red badge with a number on the app icon — that number tells you how many apps have updates waiting. You'll also see a notification on your lock screen when an app update finishes downloading, if you have notifications turned on for the App Store.

Some apps send their own notifications when they update, especially if they've added a new feature they want you to know about. You can turn off these notifications by going to Settings > Notifications, finding the app, and toggling off "Allow Notifications." This won't stop the app from updating — it just stops the app from telling you about the update.

Updating apps on cellular data

By default, the App Store won't download app updates over cellular data — only over Wi-Fi. This protects you from accidentally using up your monthly data limit on large app files. If you want to allow updates over cellular, go to Settings > App Store, scroll down to Automatic Downloads, and toggle on "Cellular Data" under App Updates.

Even with this turned on, automatic updates still only happen when your phone is plugged in, so your battery won't drain from background downloads. But if you manually tap "Update All" while on cellular, your iPhone will ask you to confirm first, giving you a chance to change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update one app without updating all of them?

Yes. In the App Updates section, tap the cloud icon next to any single app to update just that one. You only need to tap "Update All" if you want to install every pending update at the same time.

Will updating an app delete my data or settings?

No. App updates preserve your data, saved games, preferences, and login information. The update only changes the app's code, not the information you've stored inside it.

What if I don't want to update a specific app?

You don't have to update every app. If an app works fine for you and you don't want the new version, you can simply ignore it. Just keep in mind that security updates are worth installing fairly soon, even if you don't care about new features.

How long does an app update usually take?

Most app updates download and install in under a minute on Wi-Fi. Larger apps or slower connections may take a few minutes. If automatic updates are on, your iPhone handles this in the background while you sleep.

Can I use my iPhone while an app is updating?

Yes. You can use other apps, make calls, or browse the web while updates install in the background. The only time you might notice a slowdown is if you try to open the app that's currently updating.