How to check which iOS version your iPhone is running
Not every version of iOS is a home run, but keeping your iPhone up to date is generally a good idea anyway. Here's how to check whether yours is.
To determine which iOS version is currently running on your iPhone, open the Settings app and tap on General, then About, and finally iOS Version. You can also check for updates and initiate the installation process through the same General About iOS Version section. Upon tapping Update Now, your device will require a passcode and acceptance of the terms and conditions before beginning installation. If a major iOS release like iOS 27 is available, it will be listed separately at the bottom of the screen.
For automatic updates, navigate to Settings General Software Update, then toggle on Automatic Updates. Your device will manage updates when it's connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life. Manual updates necessitate at least a 20% battery charge. Update sizes depend on the type of release, with security updates ranging from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes for major iOS upgrades.
Should your Wi-Fi connection be unstable, you can update your iOS version via a computer. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC using a cable and tap Trust on the iPhone screen upon first connection. On a Mac with macOS 10.15 or later, open Finder, select your iPhone from the sidebar, and click Check for Update in the General tab.
For a Windows PC, install the Apple Devices app or use iTunes to update your iPhone. Remember to back up your iPhone before installing software updates, either through iCloud or your computer. iOS updates typically introduce enhanced performance, as observed in older iPhone models when transitioning from iOS 26 to iOS 27. Additionally, iOS 27 enhances stability and introduces features like a new optimized CPU scheduler, faster app launches, and improved Siri AI capabilities.
Written by urgent.news from Engadget's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.