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To check which iOS version is installed, open Settings > General > Software Update. To change automatic updating, open Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. There you can choose whether your iPhone installs updates automatically or only downloads them for you to install later.
Check the iOS version installed on your iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Software Update.
- Read the version shown on the screen. It also tells you whether an update is available for your iPhone. Apple’s iPhone update instructions describe this screen.
Find and change the automatic update controls
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
- Choose the controls that match how you want updates handled. The labels and layout can differ by iOS version; focus on whether each option installs or downloads an update.
Automatically install updates
With Automatically Install on, iPhone downloads and installs an available update overnight when it is charging and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple says you are notified before installation; it does not promise an exact installation time. To stop automatic installation, switch this option off. Apple’s iOS 26 instructions explain the setting and its behavior.
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Download updates without automatic installation
After you turn off Automatically Install, Apple says the Automatically Download option appears. Turn it on if you want your iPhone to download updates for later installation; turn it off as well if you want to stop automatic downloads. This separates downloading from installing, so you can decide when to install an update.
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- Back up first. Apple recommends backing up your iPhone before updating. Apple’s update guidance also notes that a wireless update requires Wi-Fi and power.
- Availability depends on your model. An iPhone only receives releases compatible with that device. Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility list includes iPhone 11 and later, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later); that list is specific to iOS 26, not a guarantee of compatibility with future releases. The Software Update screen shows what is available for your phone. See Apple’s iOS 26 instructions.
- Automatic installation is not immediate. It depends on the overnight charging and Wi-Fi conditions, so leave the setting enabled if that routine suits you, rather than expecting an update to install as soon as it is released.
Choose the update behavior that fits you
| Setting | What happens | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Automatically Install on | iPhone downloads and installs an available update overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi; Apple says it notifies you before installation. | You prefer updates to install automatically under those conditions. |
| Automatically Install off; Automatically Download on | iPhone downloads an update for later installation, leaving the installation decision to you. | You want the download handled automatically but want to choose when to install. |
| Both options off | Automatic installation and downloads are disabled. | You want to check for and manage updates yourself. |
Apple recommends enabling automatic updates, saying they help ensure a device receives features, security updates, and bug fixes in the latest software releases. That is Apple’s guidance; the settings let you choose a different level of control.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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