OTA

Error messages popping up from failed automatic iOS updates? Here’s the fix

Anthony Bouchard ∙ December 20, 2016

Your iPhone and/or iPad can perform over the air (OTA) software updates automatically during the night while you're sleeping, so long as it’s connected to a power source and you've given it permission first. While this feature is incredibly convenient for anyone who doesn’t have the time to wait for software updates during the day, it can sometimes be problematic.

There are all kinds of error messages that might pop up, but one of the more common messages you may come across, especially on iOS 10 devices, will look a lot like the one you see above. In this piece, we’ll talk about troubleshooting steps you can take to fix various types of similar error messages once and for all and get your device up to date.

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How to stop your iPhone from asking to install iOS updates

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated July 4, 2017

iOS can download and install updates without the need to connect to iTunes; this is known as Over-the-Air (OTA) updating.

When you have an OTA update waiting for you, your Settings app typically gets a red badge and iOS will constantly nag you about software updates. The thing is, not everyone always wants to install Apple's updates.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to disable requests for iOS updates on your iPhone or iPad. This trick will also remove the nagging badge on the Settings app.

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Apple introduces new OTA update option to developers

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 11, 2016

If you're a developer who doesn't already have your iPhone on a developer seed, then updating to the latest iOS beta means going through iTunes to accommodate the update.

While going through iTunes is the traditional manner for facilitating updates, it's antiquated, and largely unnecessary from a technical perspective. Wouldn't it be much better if you could upgrade to a developer seed without needing to connect to iTunes?

That's the basic premise behind the new Configuration Profiles released by Apple alongside iOS 9.3. These profiles essentially allow you to take a shortcut directly to the beta seed path without needing to touch iTunes. If you've ever upgraded an Apple Watch, or used a Public Beta, then you're already familiar with the process.

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How to remove a software update download from your iPhone or iPad

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

I am not sure if I accidentally initiated the download or if it happened on its own, but I have the latest iOS over-the-air update stored on my device. If the storage space used isn't anything to worry about, what bothers me the most is that my iPhone now prompts me every morning to install that update, something I do not want to do, or be reminded of at this time.

Deleting an over-the-air update downloaded to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is an easy thing to do. If you want to regain a few MB of storage, or if like me you don't want to be asked to install that update every day, follow these simple directions.

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How to update to iOS 9

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 13, 2018

iOS 9 is now officially out, and it brings with it a whole slew of new features. If you own an eligible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can download an install iOS 9 right now.

In many cases, especially with the latest iPads, iOS 9 can make you feel like you have a brand new device. In this post, we'll show you which devices are eligible to be updated, as well as how to update.

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Developer creates a way to downgrade the iPad 2 and iPhone 4s to iOS 6.1.3

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Feeling nostalgic? Own an iPad 2 or an iPhone 4s? Then you have the opportunity to travel back down memory lane and downgrade your device from any firmware back to iOS 6.1.3—no SHSH blobs required.

Entitled odysseusOTA, the command line tool takes advantage of the fact that Apple is still signing the OTA (over the air) firmwares for iOS 6.1.3 on the iPad 2 and iPhone 4s. Want to see the downgrade in action? Then watch this detailed step-by-step video.

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How to update your Apple Watch software

Ankur Thakur ∙ Updated January 16, 2022
Update Apple Watch

In this tutorial, we show you three ways to update your Apple Watch. The methods below let you install the latest version of watchOS with or without the paired iPhone. Use any that seems most suitable to you.

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Apple pushes out iOS 6 beta 2 to developers [updated]

Cody Lee ∙ June 25, 2012

Apple has started pushing out iOS 6 beta 2 to developers this morning. It doesn't appear to be available on the company's dev site yet, but we are seeing it hit our devices via OTA.

We're installing the update now and will let you know if we spot any changes in the new software. One minor difference we've noticed already, is that the gears in the icon (shown above) now spin during installation.

Update: added full change log and a video of the spinning gears animation

Update 2: iOS 6 beta 2 is now available for download in the dev center...

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