iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To check the iOS version on your iPhone, open Settings > General > Software Update. To control automatic updates, open Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. There you can choose whether iPhone downloads updates automatically and whether it installs them automatically.
How to check which iOS version is installed
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Software Update.
- Read the installed iOS version shown on the screen. The same screen indicates whether an update is available for your iPhone. Apple’s iPhone update instructions describe this screen.
How to turn automatic iOS updates on or off
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
- Turn Automatically Install on or off. If on, iPhone downloads and installs an available update overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple says it notifies you before installation. It does not promise a specific installation time. Apple’s iOS 26 instructions describe this behavior.
Apple recommends enabling automatic updates so the device receives features, security updates, and bug fixes in its latest software releases. That is Apple’s guidance, not a guarantee that every update will install immediately.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $386.93 | Buy on Amazon |
Automatic download and automatic installation are different
Automatically Install controls whether an update is installed automatically. If you turn it off, Apple says the Automatically Download option appears. Turn that on to let iPhone download an update for you to install later; turn it off too if you want to prevent automatic downloads as well. Apple documents both controls.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall| Setting | What it does | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Automatically Install on | Downloads and installs an update overnight when iPhone is charging and on Wi-Fi; Apple says you are notified beforehand. | You want installation handled automatically. |
| Automatically Install off; Automatically Download on | Downloads updates for later installation, without automatic installation. | You want the update downloaded but prefer to choose when to install it. |
| Automatically Install off; Automatically Download off | Stops automatic installation and automatic downloads. | You want to check for and manage updates yourself. |
Labels or screen layout can differ by iOS version. Use the control descriptions on your iPhone if they do not exactly match these instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
If no update appears
Update availability depends on the iPhone model. Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility list covers iPhone 11 and later and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), but compatibility is release-specific. Your iPhone’s Software Update screen is the practical place to see whether an update is offered for that device. See Apple’s iOS 26 instructions and compatibility list.
Before installing an update, back up your iPhone. Apple recommends using Wi-Fi and power for a wireless update. Automatic installation likewise depends on the phone being charging and connected to Wi-Fi overnight. Apple’s update guidance covers preparation and updating.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.

