6 Fixes to iOS 18/iOS 18 Beta Software Update Failed

You've been excited about the new features and Apple Intelligence in iOS 18 since news and speculations began to swirl. You hit "Software Update," and... nothing happens. iOS 18/iOS 18 Beta Software update failed!

There are kinds of scenarios that iOS software update failed, such as iOS 18 update not showing up, iOS 18 stuck on preparing to update, etc. Here in this guide, we’ll help you fix the iOS 18/iOS 18 Beta software update failed to install.

Why Does Your iOS Software Update Keep Failing?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the common reasons why iOS software updates might fail. Knowing the cause can help you apply the right fix and prevent future update issues.

• Insufficient Storage Space
iOS updates require a significant amount of free space to download and install. If your device lacks enough storage, the update will fail.

• Poor Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading the update files. A weak or unstable connection can interrupt the process, leading to failure.

• Server Issues
Apple's servers may be overloaded, especially when a new update is released, causing delays or failures in the update process.

• Battery Level
If your device’s battery is low, the update might not proceed. iOS updates require a certain battery level to ensure the process completes without interruption.

• Software Glitches
Pre-existing software issues or bugs in the current iOS version can interfere with the update process.

• Compatibility Issues
Some older devices may not be fully compatible with the latest iOS versions, causing update failures. For example, iOS 18 can only work on iPhone X and later.

6 Fixes to iOS 18/iOS 18 Beta Software Update Failed

Now that we understand the possible reasons for update failures, let’s explore the detailed steps to fix these issues.

1# Reinstall Software Update

Sometimes the problem is with the update file that was downloaded during the software update procedure. This might be a corrupted update file or an incompatible model that is causing the iOS 18 beta software failed to download. A simple option is to delete the update file from the iPhone and re-install the software update.

Step 1. Go to iPhone Settings app > General > Choose iPhone Storage.

Step 2. Scroll down to locate and tap the iOS update file > Tap on Delete Update and confirm the deletion.

When it is finished, you can go back to Software Update to re-download and install the updated iOS version to check whether your issue gets fixed.

2# Wait for Off-Peak Hours

No matter what trouble you encounter on your Apple devices, you can go to the site of Apple’s System Status to check whether everything goes well. Visit the Apple System Status page to check for any ongoing server issues.

Besides, try updating during times when fewer people are likely to be using the servers, such as late at night or early in the morning.

3# Force Restart iPhone

Sometimes an iOS bug or a software glitch can make iOS software update failed. In this case, just force restarting your iPhone can fix the issue. You can follow the instructions below to try to troubleshoot.

• For iPhone XR and later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

• For iPhone SE: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button. When the Apple logo shows up, release both buttons.

4# Check Internet Connection

If you have tried to reinstall and force restart iPhone but still iOS 18/18 beta software update failed, try resetting network settings directly.

Though all of your Internet and networking-related data on the devices will be deleted, you may rapidly resolve the iOS 18/18 beta won't install update issue if it is caused by a weak network.

Go to iPhone Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. When prompted, enter your passcode to confirm your operation.

5# Free Up iPhone Storage

The iOS 18 beta update keeps failed, the error could happen when there is not enough storage on the device. If you're having trouble downloading or installing iOS 18 beta, it's likely that your iPhone storage is almost full and does not have sufficient space for the iOS 18 beta update file. 

Here’s how to get an overview of iPhone’s storage with simple steps:

Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, and tap on General > Tap on iPhone Storage and check the available space on the device.

If the available storage space is less than 5GB, consider deleting unnecessary apps, photos, videos, and other big files to free up the space.

6# Update to iOS 18/iOS 18 Beta Using iTunes

If none of the solution above works, you can rely on iTunes to update your iPhone. iTunes is not only a powerful tool for media files management, but also a nice option to update your iPhone. Here’s how to do with it.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer via USB > Launch the latest version of iTunes > Go to Summary > Click Check for Update.

Step 2. When a window prompts, click Download and Update, and enter the passcode to start the process.

Bonus: Regular Backup iPhone Data to Avoid Data Loss

Backing up your iPhone regularly ensures that your data is safe in case of update failures or other issues. FoneTool is a powerful iPhone backup assistant that makes the process simple and reliable.

You can choose to backup important files like photos, messages, contacts, etc., or everything from iPhone to computer. Get the tool by clicking the icon below and follow the steps below to backup your iPhone.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer with a compatible USB cable. You may need to tap Trust on iPhone.

Step 2. In the Home screen of FoneTool, click Phone Backup > Get to Selective Backup and click Get Started to begin. (Or Full Backup to backup everything on iPhone to PC.)

Step 3. Make sure you have clicked each icon to select the files you want to backup to computer, then click OK.

Step 4. Choose a storage path as you like > Click Start Backup to make it.

Summary

By understanding the common reasons for update failures and following the detailed fixes provided, hope you can fix the issue iOS 18/iOS Beta software update failed and successfully update your device.

Additionally, regularly backing up your iPhone with FoneTool helps protect your data and provides peace of mind. Keep your device updated and backed up to enjoy the latest features and security enhancements offered by Apple.