'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
How to update all of your Apple devices
iOS notification for system updates appearing on the Settings app.
Here's a quick, simple, and no-nonsense way to update your Apple devices.
It is recommended to be on a stable Wi-Fi connection to update, and note that some updates are not available over a cellular connection.
Also, make sure that devices are on charge, or you have a charger handy in case it is requested.
iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
- Tap on Settings > General, then tap Software Update
- Tap on the update and follow the prompts
Apple Watch
From the iPhone
- Open the Apple Watch app, then tap the My Watch tab, then General > Software Update
- Tap on the update and follow the prompts
From the Apple Watch
- Open the Settings app and tap General > Software Update
- Tap on the update and follow the prompts
Mac
- Click on the Apple icon in the corner of your screen, then choose System Preferences
- From System Preferences window, click Software Update
- Depending on whether it's a minor update or major update, click on Update Now or Upgrade Now
Apple TV
- Open the Settings app on Apple TV and select System > Software Updates
- Select Update Software and follow the prompts
FAQ
How will I know if there's an update available for my device?
There are many ways. The red dot on the Settings icon for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch is the one most people are familiar with. WatchOS, TVOS, and MacOS will eventually notify you unless you carry out an manual update.
How long do updates take?
It depends. If it's a minor update (going from x.3 to x.4 say), then it can be over in a few minutes, but major updates (for example, going from version 15 to 16) can sometimes take an hour or more.
Why should I update?
As well as getting new features and bug fixes, you also get security updates that help to keep your device safe from hackers and other bad guys.
Are there risks to updates?
Updates are quite safe. Yes, there might be bugs that cause you irritation, but serious issues that cause a device to be bricked or unusable are extremely rare.
What do I do if an update breaks my device?
Contact Apple support.