Can't Update to iOS 26/18 – 6 Easy Ways to Fix It
Do you run into the iPhone Software update failed error when updating to iOS 18 or iOS 26 Beta or Public? This is a common problem that many users run into. This article collects all the causes and solutions for this issue. Without further ado, let's check the 10 methods now.
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Part 1. Why iPhone Software Update Failed
The iPhone software update failed issue can happen under various glitches. But there are several main reasons for that:
• Network issue: This is the most common and classic issue that causes the iPhone software update to fail, and also the one that can be easily ignored. When your Wi-fi or cellular data is weak, or even if your iPhone has a network-related app that impacts the network speed, the iPhone software update will time out and fail.
• Not enough space: iPhone software update first downloads the update and installs it on your iPhone, so the update ends. However, if there is not enough space on your iPhone, the new update pack will not be downloaded to your iPhone. And you will see the Unable to Download error.
• Apple Server issue: This is the Apple side issue. When the state of Apple server for iPhone update is not available, the update will fail, and usually Unable to Check for Update shows on your iPhone under this situation.
• Interruptions: If the device shuts down during the process, it will interrupt the update.
• Wrong Entrance (Aimed for iOS 26 Only): Until now, Apple hasn't released the final version for iOS 26. Therefore, you can't update to iOS 26 if you only look at the Settings page.
• Unknown Glitches: This often causes the iOS 26 software update to fail. It's hard to find the true reason, but you can delete the update files and download iOS 26 Beta again.
Part 2. 6 Ways to Fix iPhone Software Update Failed
According to those causes, let's see the solution for the iPhone software update failure.
Method 1: Fix iOS System Glitches
Since there are numerous causes for the iPhone software update to fail, if you don't want to try every fix one by one, then Apeaksoft iOS System Recovery is the program for you. It can automatically fix iOS system errors, including iPhone software update failure, stuck in the Apple logo, stuck in Recovery Mode, black/white screen, etc. More importantly, the program now supports the latest iOS 26.
Secure Download
Secure Download
Step 1. Launch the program on a Windows or Mac computer, and click iOS System Recovery.
Step 2. Connect the updated failed iPhone to your computer. In the Device issues section, you can see that this program will fix the issue: iPhone can't update.
Step 3. You can first try Free Quick Fix mode and see if the issue persists after fixing. Or click the Fix button directly.
Step 4. Select one standard and confirm fixing. The process may take from one to several minutes.
Method 2: Check and Change Network
A weak or unstable network will cause the iPhone software update to fail. Follow the steps to check the network status and see if it is really a network issue.
Step 1. First, check that your network is available. You can try to open a webpage or load an online video.
Step 2. If the current network works well, please change to another network that also works well. If the iPhone software update failed issue persists, this indicates that the problem is not on the network.
Method 3: Check Apple System Status
If you try to update to iOS 26, you may face the problem that the Apple system does not work. This is because many people are also trying to update to iOS 26 Beta, and the Apple service for software updates is overloaded.
To fix this issue, go and visit the Apple System Status page. If the Software Update server indicates red, please wait and try again later.
Method 4: Wait and Update Again
Sometimes other apps on your iPhone will impact he software update process. Follow the following steps to fix that issue.
Step 1. Tap Close after you see the iPhone software update failed error, and then close all apps on your iPhone, including the Settings app.
Step 2. Repeat the options to update software and tap Update Now.
Method 5: Restart the iPhone
Restarting your iPhone will erase some hard-to-notice glitches, so that the issue of the iOS software update failing will be solved immediately.
Step 1. First, press and hold the Side or Top button until you see the power-off slide bar.
Step 2. Drag the slider and restart your iPhone.
Step 3. Wait for the Apple logo to appear on your iPhone, and then update iOS again.
Method 6: Reset Network Settings
When you change several working well networks, and the iOS software still fails many times, it indicates you should reset the network settings. Wrong setwork settings are the cause of your iPhone can't connect to a network.
Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 3. Open the Settings app > General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Step 4. Tap Reset.
Step 5. Choose Reset Network Setting
Conclusion
These are all the ways to fix the iOS update fails issue. And all of them support the iOS 26/18. If, unfortunately, all solutions don't work for you, you can try to update your iPhone with iTunes as an alternative.
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