Apple releases major iOS updates once a year, usually in September

Apple announces a new major iOS version each year at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, then releases it to the public in September or early October. The exact date varies — iOS 17 came out on September 18, 2023, while iOS 16 launched on September 12, 2022. Apple does not set a fixed calendar date; the company picks a Tuesday or Wednesday in mid-to-late September based on its own development schedule.

Between major releases, Apple pushes out smaller updates called point releases — iOS 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, and so on — roughly every three to four weeks. These updates fix security problems and bugs rather than add new features. You can check for these updates on any iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update, where your phone will tell you whether a new version is available.

The current version as of early 2024 is iOS 17. The next major version, iOS 18, will be announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2024 and is expected to release in September 2024, though Apple has not confirmed an exact date.

Key Takeaways

  • Major iOS updates arrive once per year in September or early October, with the exact date announced only a few weeks beforehand.
  • Between major releases, Apple sends out smaller point updates every three to four weeks to patch security issues and bugs.
  • You can check whether an update is ready for your phone in Settings > General > Software Update on any iPhone.
  • Apple announces the next major iOS version at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June each year.
  • You do not have to update immediately — you can delay an iOS update for several weeks, though security updates eventually become mandatory.

How to check if a new iOS version is ready for your phone

Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap General, then tap Software Update. Your phone will show whether you are running the latest version or whether a new one is ready to download. If an update is available, you will see the version number and file size. You can choose to download it immediately or schedule it to download overnight.

If no update appears, your phone is already running the latest version. Apple releases updates to all compatible iPhones on the same day, so if your phone is may be able to access for the new version, it will show up within a day or two of the official release date.

Which iPhones can run the newest iOS version

Not every iPhone can run the latest iOS. Apple typically supports the current version plus the two or three previous generations. iOS 17, for example, runs on iPhone XS and newer. iPhone 8 and earlier cannot run iOS 17, even though they may still receive security updates for older iOS versions.

When a new major iOS version arrives, Apple publishes a list of compatible devices on its website. If your phone is not on that list, you cannot update to that version. You can still use your phone with an older iOS version, but you will eventually stop receiving security patches.

What happens if you do not update right away

You do not have to update the moment a new iOS version becomes available. Many people wait a few weeks to let Apple fix any bugs that show up after the initial release. Waiting is a reasonable choice — early versions sometimes have problems that point releases fix within the first month.

However, Apple eventually makes updates mandatory. After several months, your phone will begin reminding you more frequently and may force an update during a restart. Security updates in particular become required faster than feature updates, because they patch vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Where to find official information about upcoming iOS releases

Apple announces new iOS versions at its Worldwide Developers Conference, which it streams live on apple.com. The company also publishes release notes on its website for each new version, listing what changed and what bugs were fixed. These release notes appear in Settings > General > About on your phone after you update.

Tech news sites like MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and The Verge cover iOS announcements and release dates, but Apple's own website is the official source. If you want to know the exact release date before it happens, check apple.com in early September, when Apple typically announces the date a week or two in advance.

iOS beta versions and how to try new features early

Apple releases beta versions of iOS to developers and the public several months before the final release. A beta is an unfinished version meant for testing — it may have bugs, drain battery faster, or lose data. Most people should not install a beta on their main phone.

If you want to try new iOS features before they officially release, you can sign up for Apple's public beta program at beta.apple.com. You will get access to beta versions a few weeks before the final release. Keep in mind that betas are not stable, and you should back up your phone before installing one.

How iOS updates differ from iPadOS and macOS releases

iPad runs iPadOS, not iOS, though the two are closely related and often release on the same day. Mac computers run macOS, which follows a different naming scheme — macOS 14 Sonoma, macOS 13 Ventura — but also releases once per year, usually in September or October alongside iOS and iPadOS.

All three operating systems are announced together at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, and all three typically release within days of each other in the fall. If you own multiple Apple devices, you can usually update them all around the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out the exact iOS release date months in advance?

No. Apple announces the release date only a few weeks before it happens, usually in early September. The company does not publish a schedule further out than that. You can predict that a major version will arrive in September or October based on past patterns, but the specific date is not known until Apple announces it.

What if my iPhone is too old to run the new iOS version?

You can continue using your phone with the older iOS version it came with. However, after a few years, Apple stops sending security updates to older versions, which means your phone becomes more vulnerable to hackers. At that point, you would need to upgrade to a newer iPhone to get current security patches.

Do I have to update iOS on the day it releases?

No. You can wait weeks or even months to update. Apple does not force updates immediately, though it will eventually require you to update after several months have passed. Waiting a few weeks is common and lets Apple fix early bugs through point releases.

Will updating iOS delete my photos and files?

No. iOS updates preserve all your data, photos, apps, and settings. However, it is always wise to back up your phone before any major update, just in case something goes wrong. You can back up to iCloud or to a computer using Finder or iTunes.

How long does an iOS update take to download and install?

Download time depends on your internet speed and the update size — typically 30 minutes to 2 hours on a home Wi-Fi network. Installation happens after download and usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your phone will restart during installation, and you should not unplug it or force shut it down during this time.