Top 6 Fixes to iOS 18 Update Not Showing Up

►Important:
Have you backed up your iPhone? If haven’t, please do it now!
Be aware that there is always a risk of data loss when upgrading to new iOS. You definitely do not want to find that you lose contacts, photos, or any other files after the update. Refer to this How to Backup iPhone Before iOS 18 Update guide to backup your important data.

The Issue: iOS 18 Update Not Showing Up in Software Update

New iOS always brings new features and you can’t wait to update your iPhone to the newest iOS 18. But when you go to Settings to have a check, it says that your device is up to date.

Well, it’s certain that you won’t see the new software update before the official release. You can only get iOS public beta to have a try in advance. However, now the final version of iOS 18 has been rolled out by Apple but you still do not see the software update on your device.

Why iOS 18 Update Not Showing Up?

There are two main reasons for this iOS 18 not showing up error: the problem of Apple server & the issue of your iPhone.

When a new iOS is released by Apple, millions of people would start downloading at once. Although Apple servers are designed to handle such type of full workload on their end, it may go down because of some technical issues.

On the other hand, some iPhone issues may also prevent you from receiving the software update, like a poor network connection, a beta iOS version, or some unknown errors in the current iOS.

How to Fix iOS 18 Update Not Showing Up on iPhone/iPad

Below are some methods that can help you troubleshoot the iOS 18 update not showing up in Settings problem.

Tip 1. Check the Compatibility

First of all, make sure that your device is compatible to update to the new iOS 18 or iPadOS 18. You will never get the software update if your device is not included in the supported list.

iOS 18 Supported Devices:
iPhone 15 (Plus)/iPhone 15 Pro (Max), iPhone 14 (Plus)/iPhone 14 Pro (Max), iPhone 13 Pro Max/Pro/mini/13, iPhone 12 Pro Max/Pro/mini/12, iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max/11, iPhone SE second and later, iPhone XS (Max)/Xr
iPadOS 18 Supported Devices:
iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later),  iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Tip 2. Check Apple Servers

The Apple server may go down due to the surge in traffic or other technical issues. You can go to https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/ to have a check whether they are working or not.

Tip 3. Force Restart Your Device

You may have tried to restart your device but it does not work. In this case, you can perform a force restart to refresh your device. A reboot can help fix many minor glitches on the device like the iOS 18 update not showing up error.

● Force restart iPhone 8 and later & iPad with Face ID:

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

● Force restart iPhone 7/7 Plus:

Press and hold Power button and Volume Down button together > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

● Force restart iPhone 6s, SE and earlier & iPad with Home button:

Hold down the Home button and the Power button at the same time > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Tip 4. Check the Network Condition

The software update requires a stable network connection. You may meet the iOS 18 update not showing up issue because of the laggy Internet. You can turn on/off the Airplane Mode to refresh the Internet connection.

Besides, network configuration issues may also be the causes. You can reset the network settings to figure it out: go to Settings > tap General > tap Reset (Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset) > tap Reset Network Settings. Then you should re-enter the passcode to join the W-Fi.

Tip 5. Remove Beta Profile

If you have iOS 18 beta installed on your device, you should delete the beta profile. Otherwise, you will not receive the official software update.

1. Go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management.

2. Tap iOS Beta Software Profile > Tap Remove Profile > Enter your passcode if asked and tap Delete.

3. Restart your device and go to Settings app to check to see if the problem is solved.

Tip 6. Update Your Device via iTunes

If all the above methods cannot help you fix the iOS 18 update not showing up issue, you may update your iPhone/iPad via iTunes.

1. Make sure you have installed the latest version of iTunes on computer.

2. Run iTunes > Connect your iPhone to computer via USB cable.

3. Click the Device tab > Choose Summary > Click Check for Update button.

4. When the update is found, click Download and Update to confirm.

Conclusion

That’s all for how to fix the iOS 18 update not showing up issue on iPhone and iPad. Millions of people would try to update their device once Apple rolls out the software, you may wait for a few days to get a smooth update. Or you can troubleshoot the problems with the phone itself that prevent you from receiving the software update.

FAQs about iOS update not showing up

Does Apple release iOS updates to all devices simultaneously?

• No, Apple often releases iOS updates in phases, which means that not all devices receive the update at the same time. This approach helps Apple manage server load and address any potential issues before rolling out the update to all devices. If your device hasn't received the update yet, it may be part of a later phase.

What should I do if my iOS update isn't showing up even after checking manually?

• If the iOS update isn't showing up after checking manually, try restarting your device and checking again. If that doesn't work, ensure that your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has enough storage space available. Sometimes, updates may take some time to appear due to server delays.

Does my device model affect whether I see the iOS update?

• Yes, the availability of iOS updates can vary depending on your device model. Older devices may not receive the latest iOS updates if they are no longer supported by Apple. You can check if your device is compatible with the latest iOS update by visiting Apple's website or checking the software update settings on your device.

Is there a way to manually install an iOS update if it's not showing up on my device?

• Yes, if an iOS update isn't showing up on your device, you can manually install it using iTunes (on macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) on your computer. Connect your device to your computer, open iTunes or Finder, and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update.

Should I contact Apple Support if I still can't see the iOS update on my device?

• If you've tried all troubleshooting steps and still can't see the iOS update on your device, it's a good idea to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide personalized support and guidance based on your specific situation.