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iPhone Cannot Update to the Latest Version – How to Fix It 2026 Guide

Why Choose Keith Thomas

20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.

• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.

Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.

• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.

On‑site iPhone iOS Update Support in London and the South East UK

What this page covers

This guide explains the most common reasons why an iPhone cannot update to the latest iOS version, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:

• iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max / iPhone Air

• iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max

• iPhone 15 / 15 Pro

• iPhone 14 / 14 Pro

• iPhone 13 / 13 Pro

• iPhone 12 / 12 Pro

• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

And all iOS versions including iOS 17, iOS 18 and the latest iOS releases.

The most common iOS update problems

These are the issues Keith Thomas sees most often during on‑site visits:

• iPhone cannot update to the latest iOS version

• iPhone stuck on “Preparing Update”

• iPhone stuck on “Verifying Update”

• iPhone stuck on “Update Requested”

• iPhone update fails repeatedly

• iPhone update fails due to storage

• iPhone update fails due to Wi‑Fi

• iPhone update fails after restore

• iPhone update fails due to Apple Account

• iPhone update fails due to System Data

Quick checks you can do yourself

These steps solve around 40% of update issues.

Check 1 – Restart the iPhone

Check 2 – Connect to a reliable Wi‑Fi network

Check 3 – Charge the iPhone to at least 50%

Check 4 – Make sure you are signed in to your Apple Account

Check 5 – Check iPhone storage

iPhone cannot update to the latest iOS version

This usually means:

• Wi‑Fi connection issue

• Apple Account not fully signed in

• iOS update file corrupted

Try:

• Restarting the iPhone

• Connecting to a different Wi‑Fi network

• Signing in to your Apple Account again

iPhone stuck on “Preparing Update”

This usually means:

• Slow Wi‑Fi

• Large update file

• iOS background process delay

Try:

• Restarting the iPhone

• Switching to a different Wi‑Fi network

• Leaving the iPhone plugged in

iPhone stuck on “Verifying Update”

This usually means:

• Apple’s update servers are busy

• Wi‑Fi connection issue

• iOS verification delay

Try:

• Waiting 5–10 minutes

• Restarting the iPhone

• Connecting to a different Wi‑Fi network

iPhone stuck on “Update Requested”

This usually means:

• Apple’s update servers are busy

• Wi‑Fi connection issue

• iOS update queue delay

Try:

• Restarting the iPhone

• Switching to a different Wi‑Fi network

• Trying the update again

iPhone update fails due to storage

This usually means:

• Not enough free space

• System Data too large

• iCloud Photos downloading originals

Try:

• Freeing storage space

• Turning on “Optimise iPhone Storage”

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone update fails after restore

This usually means:

• iOS version mismatch

• Temporary iOS bug

• Apple Account re‑authentication required

Try:

• Updating to the latest iOS version

• Signing in to your Apple Account again

• Restarting the iPhone

When DIY stops working

You should get on‑site help if:

• The iPhone will not update at all

• The update fails repeatedly

• The update gets stuck on Preparing or Verifying

• The update works on another device but not your iPhone

These issues usually require:

• iPhone iOS update and configuration repair

• Apple Account and activation diagnostics

• Wi‑Fi and network troubleshooting

• iPhone storage and System Data optimisation

On‑Site iPhone Support – London & South East UK

If your iPhone cannot update to the latest iOS version, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:

• Central London

• West, North, South and East London

• Surrey

• Berkshire

• Hampshire

• Wiltshire

Keith Thomas is an Apple Support Specialist in:

• iPhone iOS update issues

• Apple Account and activation troubleshooting

• Wi‑Fi and network diagnostics

• iPhone configuration and repair

Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK

If your iPhone cannot update to the latest iOS version, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get everything working again.

Keith Thomas – Apple Support Specialist

Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days

Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7