Why Your New iPhone Software Update Taking Forever

When you are an iPhone user, you probably come across the annoying popup message that your device is presenting to you when a new update is available. You probably ignore it or set it up later when convenient. Yet, avoiding this annoying popup window may backfire on your device. A software update is essential for your iPhone device to keep its features running smoothly. It can remove glitches, enhance privacy and security, and add features to your new iOS settings. It provides plenty of benefits for your device. It can override the security hole the previous patches contain on its firmware and update the system for better performance. Yet, have you ever experienced a new iPhone software update taking forever? This error is typical for almost all iOS devices. It can be software-related issues, hardware-related problems, or both. What are the solutions to fix it? It is easy to amend. Luckily, this article has the most trusted troubleshooting you can search for when fixing update issues.

Why Do iPhone Updates Take So Long

When your device is having an issue or its system is incompatible with the new applications, it needs an update. But how does a software update work, and what factors might contribute to its process? A software update allows Apple developers to fix iOS systems, override faulty patches, and add new features and security settings. There are factors that iOS updates can take too long to process. One of which is the internet connection. A better network is a must to download large files of iOS patches in minutes or hours. Another reason that can contribute to the process is the update's file size. The larger the update file is, the longer it will take to download. There are different ways as well to update your iOS device. The first is using OTA, which can be accessed through your device's settings. It can wirelessly download the update from the Apple server and update the device without plugging it into your computer. Alternatively, you can download the update on the iTunes app on your computer. The key point to having the latest patches is installing the newest iTunes app on your computer.

Factors Why iPhone Updates Take Forever

There are factors why your iPhone update taking forever to download. You can check your iPhone device and assess if it has one of these issues. If it does, then your iPhone updates will take too long, and it needs to be fixed immediately. Check the information below and see if your device has some of them.

• Insufficient Storage - When downloading updates, the file size may range from 1GB to 5GB of files, which depends if it's an actual upgrade from the previous iOS version or just a patch note. It will consume some of the storage on your internal space or ROM. If you have insufficient ROM space, the process will be idle and stuck in loading status.
• Slow Internet connection - An Internet connection is needed to update your device. When you are connected to a slower or poorer WiFi network, downloading an update will be stuck in loading status or will take time to finish.
• Server overload - When a new patch is released, all iPhone users will receive a notification to update their devices. When too many users download at the same time, the Apple server may overload, which will hinder the update.
• Old device models - Not all new iOS patches are compatible with all iPhone models. Of course, the lower and older the device is, the more challenging for it to get an update, as the new iOS versions are remarkably compatible with the latest iPhone models.
• Other software issues - Bugs and malicious software is also a culprit why your new iPhone software update taking forever. These unintentional bugs will compromise your settings, security, and features, which will prevent your device from updating its system.

Fix iOS 16 Taking Forever to Update

As stated above, most of the time, when your iOS update taking forever is caused by software failures or modifications like jailbreaking. With this, you need an optimal tool to fix it. AceThinker iOS System Recovery is a mobile utility for iPhone devices that provides two modes of recovery to fix their device. This iPhone system repair tool comes with the Standard and Advanced mode that repairs iOS systems. When the issue is caused by jailbreaking or modified settings on your iOS, then this tool can downgrade or upgrade the iOS device to the correct iOS patch. The Standard mode can fix your iOS device while preserving its files. The Advanced method can also be used to repair iOS updates issues while deleting the entire files of your device. There is a catch to this process. It will wipe out your complete files, including the ones that are not affected and impacted by the update issue. Therefore, you must back up your device to preserve those files that you must protect from the repair process.

Step 1 Install AceThinker iOS System Recovery

The initial guide to learning how to fix a new iPhone taking forever to update is to install AceThinker iOS System Recovery. Hit the download icon shown above of this step to get the file installer. Then, access the download folder of your PC and run the file to finish the installation wizard.

Step 2 Connect Your iPhone Device

Afterward, connect your iPhone device using your lightning wire to link the tool and your smartphone. On the tool’s interface, hit the Start option to analyze the mobile device on the tool. Eventually, select the Fix button to push through the process when the scan process is complete.

Step 3 Choose the Recovery Mode

In this step, there are two ways to repair your device. The solution should be based on the reason why your device is having an update issue. If the system glitch, use the Standard mode. Yet, if the error is caused by malware intrusion or jailbreaking, use Advanced methods. Once selected, hit the Confirm button to push through with the process.

Step 4 Finalize the Process

Finally, a list of firmware will prompt on your screen. It will allow your device to learn to download firmware suitable for its model. Save the recommended iOS patch by clicking the download button. After that, hit the Next button to start installing the firmware on your smartphone.

Troubleshooting Methods

1. Check Your Network

The first solution you must check when your iPhone update taking forever to download is the internet connection. When updating your device, a WiFi network is recommended since it is much faster to do it with a WiFi connection than the data network. WiFi is also unlimited, unlike data networks with data capacity depending on the carrier's plan. WiFi is also recommended as it is a much more stable connection than cellular data. However, assess your WiFi network when your device is having an issue downloading an update on its system. Perform a speed test on your other device to see if the connection is stable. If not, check your router to see if the internet indicator emits light. When not, contact your service provider to check and repair the network issue. Do not use a data connection as an alternative, as when the download process is hindered or fails to complete, the update might be corrupted.

2. Free Up Storage

Another factor that can make your iPhone taking forever to update is due to lower ROM storage space. The iPhone device has fixed internal storage for its files to be stored safely as long as the users want them to save on its system. Each model has a different version according to the maximum internal ROM capacity. You can buy devices according to their internal storage, like 128G, 256GB, 512GB, and 1T. However, the downside here is the device is not expandable with external storage. Therefore, when your device is full of your files, and a lower internal space is available, the iPhone update will not be continually downloaded on your device. You must free up internal space on your iPhone or transfer them to another external device. You can read this link regarding transferring iPhone files to your computer to free some space on your smartphone. Once you have freed some space and the update download indicator is moving smoothly, your internal storage is the culprit for the error.

3. Wait for the Few Hours

Have you asked your friend, an iPhone user, if they already updated her device to a new patch note, and they said it is better to take the update a few hours after its release? Have you asked them what is the benefit of delaying it? All iPhone users and Apple devices universally notify a software update for every Apple gadget. The download can be acquired with the Apple server, which holds the new patches as their consumers download and install the latest update. However, due to many users simultaneously downloading the update, the Apple server may come with a glitch and hold the process of updating your device. Therefore, when these reports start circulating among iPhone users, it might as well delay your update for a few hours. Let the Apple server breathe from most iPhone users' bombarded download and update. This will help you download the software update much easier and smoother to perform. That is why it is recommended and suggested to download and update your device after midnight or while you are sleeping.

4. Force Restart Smartphone

When your device experiences a tiny glitch on its system while updating, and it takes time, you must repair the error first to finish the update process. What is the most optimal solution to use to clear out these errors? It is a restart process. This feature for iOS can make your system reboot and optimize its performance the way the device used to perform. It can terminate your device's power supply and restart the RAM, where most processes take place. Glitches lurking on your settings and apps will be terminated as your RAM reboots. This process is a one-stop solution to fix minor glitches, including iPhone screen freezes, apps issues, and more. This process is also safe as it does not compromise your iPhone files. It means whether you perform multiple restarts on your device, files will remain intact on your iOS device.

• The first guide to learning how to restart your iPhone is to check the side buttons of your device. The Volume buttons are presented on the left side of the device. Alternatively, the power button is on the right side of your iPhone.
• The next phase is to long press the side button and any volume buttons simultaneously. A slider will appear on your iPhone screen to provide emergency and power-off buttons. Slide the power off button to turn off the device.
• Lastly, when the device entirely shuts down, wait for 30 seconds to let the RAM refresh. Please turn on your device again to restart it. Press and maintain holding the Power button to open your device once more.

5. Reset Network Settings

When your device is not having a glitch and your WiFi network is stable on other devices, the issue might have on your Network settings. This feature is an option for iPhone users to modify and change wireless settings for their iPhones. You can set up your APN, VPN, and other wireless settings to provide a better connection. However, too much modification can harm your network settings. It can lead to severe damage, including Bluetooth not connecting correctly, data connection having slower internet speed, and WiFi network having an issue providing a solid connection. These issues can hinder the download speed of your iOS update. Therefore, when you have recently modified network settings and suddenly the new iPhone software update taking forever error is happening on your device, reset immediately. Follow the walkthroughs below to learn how to reset network settings on your iPhone.

• The initial guide is to unlock your iPhone device to access the home screen layout. From the list of applications presented on your iPhone, hit the Settings icon. A new page/window will emerge on your screen once settings have launched their interface.
• The following step is to swipe up on your screen to access the General option. Tap on its menu until you reach the list of general settings. Then, scroll down once more until you get the last option, which is the Transfer or Resent iPhone.
• For the finale, two options will be shown on your screen. Tap the Reset option, and a dialogue box will appear. Tap the Reset Network Settings to change the preferences into the default setup. Follow the on-screen methods to finish the process.

6. Update iPhone Using iTunes

When you are having difficulty updating your device wirelessly, why not use the iTunes app. iTunes revolutionized how we utilized our devices when it was first introduced by Apple in 2001. It was the first platform that allowed users to purchase and download their favorite media files. Over the years, the platform has undergone significant changes, including introducing a device-management utility. When your device is having an issue or its screen is not accessible, iTunes provides iPhone users with many features that can make your device's functions possible. One of these features is getting your device updated with the app. When the iTunes app is updated, it contains the latest version of the iOS system. It can install an input update on iOS without downloading the firmware on the Apple Server. To learn how to update your iPhone with this app, follow the guide below.

• Begin the process by checking the latest version of iTunes on Apple's official website or Microsoft Store. If it is outdated, update it by downloading the latest app version. Run the file until the installation is complete.
• The next phase/stage of the procedure is to link the iOS device to iTunes. Use your lightning wire to secure a better connection. Once analyzed, an iPhone icon will prompt on your screen. Tap on it to launch the Summary tab.
• Finally, access the tab where your iPhone device model is located. Check for the button of the Update option. Tap on it to continue and finalize the process.

7. Use IPSW Websites

The final option or solution that you can use to finish the update of the newest iOS system completely is to use IPSW websites. These types of websites hold the entire history of a patch note on one mobile device. For example, when you need to downgrade your iPhone device to an older iOS version, you can download the firmware from this website. One of the most well-known websites that contain the entire history of iOS patches is IPSW.me. It holds the newest and oldest patch for your iPadOS, iOS, and macOS. You must access the website on your web browser and select the requirements to get the proper firmware. You can choose the iPhone model, series, and platform. Hitting the download button is the last step to get the newest update on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The iPhone update taking forever is a common issue that many users face. This issue can cause frustration and delay in using the latest features and updates on their iPhones. However, this problem is not unique to iPhones and can also occur with other smartphones. One reason for the slow update process could be the update size. The latest iPhone updates often come with new features and improvements, making them larger. This means the update process can take longer, especially if the user has a sluggish internet connection. Other factors including system bugs, internet connection, and more, can also affect this issue. Luckily, the solutions found in this article are suitable methods to use.

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