How to update apps on iPhone or iPad: Check out my top methods in 2025

I’m happily using my favorite app on my iPhone, but one day, it’s glitchy and malfunctioning. Then I realized it hadn’t been updated in eons! It’s usually a simple process, but sometimes, there can be peculiarities when updating apps for different iOS. Help is at hand. 

I’ve compiled all the information you need to know on how to automatically update apps on iPhone and iPad, with some useful info on how to manually update apps on iPhone, too. I reckon my tips will be useful, no matter what version of iOS you’re running.

How to check for app updates on iPhone

To check for app updates on an iPhone, open the App Store and look for pending updates. 

To manually check for app updates: 

1. Open App Store > Go to your profile.
2. Under Upcoming Automatic Updates, you’ll see a list of all apps to be updated.
3. Choose manually which one you need to update. 

Quickly update all apps on iPhone

If you don’t know how to make apps update automatically on your iPhone and want your device to do all the work, it’s super easy. Just tap Update All right under Upcoming Automatic Updates.

Where is the update option in App Store?

What happens if the app store does not appear to have an update, but you know one is available? 

I think the simplest thing to do first is to: 

1. Check that you’re signed in with the right Apple Account. 
2. Once you’ve verified this, check that your internet connection is fine and dandy. 
3. Lastly, ensure your device software is up to date. 

Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app once this is done. It may update from this simple step. 

Why are there no app updates on iPhone?

Looks like your phone isn’t updating any apps right now. No need to stress! I’ve got some easy tips to help you figure out what’s up.

It could be because: 

• You have automatic updates turned off in Settings. 
• You have poor or no internet connection. 
• You need to update your iOS. 
• There are problems with App Store servers. 
• You might need to manually check for updates within the App Store. 

Whatever the reason, starting with your device first is always a good idea. Here’s the complete guide on how to update your iPhone.

Read also:

• Create Folder iPhone
• Sideloading Apps
• iPhone Wont Download Apps
• How to Remove Devices From Apple Id

How to manually update apps on iPhone and iPad

It’s simple. Open App Store > Go to your profile and check Upcoming Automatic Updates. Choose manually which one you need to update. 

I’ve found that each version of iOS can vary slightly regarding how to update your apps. When you’re updating them for different versions of iOS, their compatibility with older features is definitely worth considering.  

When developers are creating and updating, they’ve got to think about what to keep and what to get rid of when they’re working on updates, just like when you declutter your home. They must do the same to ensure the app is running smoothly. 

Here’s what can affect how apps update on different iOS versions:

• API changes: New iOS versions mean that developers have to update code to use the latest API version but offer fallback solutions for those people using older versions of iOS. 
• UI design differences: Each iOS has UI elements that vary slightly, which affects the app’s design. So, when you use a newer iOS app, it will have a different look or feel. 
• Feature compatibility: When developing new iOS settings, developers must carefully consider which features to keep enabled and which to disable. 
• Backward compatibility: App functionality must be kept available and running on older versions of iOS, even if users can’t always take advantage of all the new features. 

How to turn on app updates on my iPhone

When auto updates are switched on, on your iPhone or iPad everything will get updated regularly. You won’t need to think about it; you’ll always be running the freshest version possible of your favorite apps. 

To turn on automatic app updates on your iPhone and iPad:

1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Tap App Store > Turn on App Updates.

It’s easy to learn how to update all apps on iPhone 

With a few simple taps of a button, you can make sure your iPhone and iPad are running as smoothly as possible, with all their apps updated regularly. 

In case you can't update apps in the native way, you can use AnyTrans for iOS. Want to try the app? It’s available on Setapp. The platform offers over 250 apps to try out under a single subscription. Setapp offers a free 7-day trial if you’d like to explore all intuitive apps for keeping your iPhone and iPad in tip-top condition. 

There are 250 apps to try out, and the possibilities are endless! So, whether you want your device to run more efficiently or simply want some cool ideas for apps that help with streaming entertainment, we’ve got it all. 

FAQ

How do I match my iPhone and iPad apps?

To match apps on your iPhone and iPad, sync apps and data using iCloud:

1. Go to Settings Apple Account.
2. Tap iCloud.
3. Tap See All next to Saved to iCloud.
4. Turn on each app you want to sync.

Why can't I update apps on my iPad?

You can’t update apps because:

• Your iPad might not be connected to the Wi-Fi
• You’ve run out of storage space
• Older iPads may not support newer apps 

Why is my app not updating on iPhone?

Your iPhone might not be updating apps if it has no internet connection or not enough storage space. If it’s running a very old iOS, it may simply be too old to update the apps and is no longer supported by Apple. Try turning your iPhone off and on again to see if that helps. If all else fails and you can’t find an obvious cause, it’s best to contact Apple Support to see if they can assist you.