How to update apps on iPhone and iPad in 2026 step by step

If you’re wondering how to update apps on iPhone and iPad, there are a few easy options. You can update apps automatically in the background, update all apps on iPhone and iPad at once, update specific apps manually, or manage updates from a Mac using a tool like AnyTrans for iOS.

This guide is for anyone who wants to learn how to automatically update apps on iPhone and iPad and never worry about it again. Useful tricks included.

Ways to update apps on iPhone and iPad at a glance

You can update iPhone and iPad apps automatically, update all apps at once, update individual apps manually, or manage updates from a Mac, depending on how much control you want.

Here's some quick info on how to update all apps on iPhone and iPad:

Your goal?	Try this!
Enable automatic app updates	Settings > Apps > App Store > Turn on App Updates
Manually check for updates	App Store > Profile icon > Upcoming Automatic Updates > Choose apps or tap Update All
Update all apps quickly	App Store > Profile picture (icon) > Update All (under Upcoming Automatic Updates)
No Updates visible / app not updating	1. Verify correct Apple Account signed in. 2. Check internet connection. 3. Update to latest iOS. 4. Check Apple System Status (green = OK). 5. Reinstall the app.
Update via Mac (Alternative)	Connect iPhone to Mac > Open AnyTrans for iOS > Apps tab > Click Update
Sync apps between iPhone & iPad	Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > See All > Turn on desired apps
Solve iPad-specific update issues	• No Wi-Fi • Low storage • Older iPad model (incompatible with new app versions) → Free up space, update iPadOS, or use compatible apps. Click to see all iPad generations in order.

Which option is best for you? That depends on what you want. Use: 

• Automatic updates if you want apps to stay up-to-date with no effort from your end

• Manual updates when you want control

• Update All when you need to update all apps on iPhone right away

• A third-party tool like AnyTrans for iOS if App Store updates fail, or you manage multiple devices

If you want access to premium iOS apps included with your subscription and synced across devices, Setapp on iPhone and iPad lets you use supported iOS apps alongside your Mac apps under one plan.

How to see pending app updates in the App Store

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 apps to be updated.
3. Choose manually which one you need to update. 

Enable automatic app updates on iPhone and iPad

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. 

Here's how:

1. Open the App Store.

2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.

3. Find Upcoming Automatic Updates.

4. Tap Update All.

Not sure where to start with a stubborn app update? I've found the iPhone Help Assistant useful for exactly this. It's a GPT tool that helps diagnose common iPhone issues, including apps that refuse to update.

Update all iPhone apps in one tap

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. 

Here's how to manually update apps on iPhone: just tap Update All right under Upcoming Automatic Updates. 

Manually choose which apps to update on iPhone and iPad

To manually update apps on iPhone and iPad, 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. You can check out the full list of iOS versions in our article.
• 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. 

Personal tip If you try all the methods but the apps still haven’t been updated, then use AnyTrans for iOS. It’s a cool tool for managing all your iOS devices, so if you want to update the apps, open AnyTrans for iOS on your Mac > Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a cable > In the device manager tab, click Apps > Update the apps with a click.

App store update option not showing on iPhone

Is the App Store update not showing? This doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your phone. The update option can disappear for a few common reasons, like:

• You're signed in with the wrong Apple Account: Make sure you're signed in to the correct account by going to Settings > [your name].

• Your internet connection is unstable: A weak Wi-Fi or mobile signal can stop the App Store from loading updates. Switch networks or reconnect.

• The iOS version is outdated: Some app updates need a newer iOS version. Check if a system update is available. Here’s the complete guide on how to update your iPhone.

• The App Store is slow or stuck: Close the App Store and open it again, or restart your iPhone.

• Update is rolling out gradually: Some updates are released in stages and may not appear right away. App updates can also be delayed by region, so availability may vary depending on where you are.

If an update still doesn't show, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can sometimes trigger the latest version.

Quick question — which camp are you in? Let’s say someone says, “I always update my software and operating system.” Would you nod and say “Always”? Or maybe “Sometimes,” “Rarely,” or even “Never”? We asked* people the same thing — and here are the results: 55% said Always 32% said Sometimes 10% said Rarely 4% said Never So… which group do you fall into? *Source: MacPaw’s 2024 Scams and Disinformation Survey

Reasons iPhone apps are not updating

Are your iPhone apps not updating? The reason is often something simple:

• Everything is already up to date: If you don’t see any updates, your apps are already on the latest version.

• Updates are waiting for the right moment: With automatic updates on, iOS may wait until your phone is charging, idle, or on Wi-Fi.

• Storage is running low: App updates need space. Free up some storage and try again.

• Cellular downloads are limited: Updates can pause if mobile data is restricted. Allow downloads over cellular if you want them to continue.

• Some updates need your approval: Bigger updates may wait for you to confirm before installing.

Fix app updates not working on mobile data

iPhones are a bit careful with mobile data, so app updates usually wait until you’re on Wi-Fi. Bigger updates may pause or hold off so they don’t eat through your data plan.

If you want, you can decide whether your apps are allowed to update using mobile data.

To allow or restrict app updates on mobile data:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Apps > App Store.

3. Scroll down to Mobile Data.

4. Turn Automatic Downloads on or off.

5. Choose Always Allow, Always Ask, or Ask If Over 200 MB.

Allowing cellular updates can use a lot of data, especially for large apps. If you have a limited data plan, it’s safer to keep updates on Wi-Fi only.

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.