To install iOS updates automatically, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn on Automatically Install. For the separate security fixes Apple now calls Background Security Improvements, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Security Improvements and turn on Automatically Install. The security setting is available for future releases starting with iOS 26.1.
Turn on automatic iOS updates
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates.
- Under iOS Updates, turn on Automatically Install. iPhone downloads and installs updates overnight when it is charging and connected to Wi-Fi; Apple says it notifies you before installation. See Apple’s iOS update instructions.
If you want updates downloaded automatically but prefer to install them yourself, turn off Automatically Install and select Automatically Download. Apple says downloads occur when iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked. This option appears after automatic installation is turned off.
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Turn on Background Security Improvements
Apple’s current iPhone instructions call these between-update security fixes Background Security Improvements; “Rapid Security Responses” is the older term. On iOS 26, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Security Improvements, then turn on Automatically Install. Follow Apple’s current iPhone instructions if the labels differ.
These improvements add protections between software updates and can cover components such as Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries. Apple says they are supported and enabled for future releases starting with iOS 26.1. If you turn the setting off, the device will not receive these improvements until they are included in a subsequent software update. In rare compatibility cases, Apple may temporarily remove an improvement and enhance it in a future update. More detail is available in Apple’s overview of Background Security Improvements.
#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%.
Know which automatic-update control does what
iOS has separate controls for full iOS updates, system files, and Background Security Improvements. They are not competing security products; each governs a different kind of software update.
| Control | Where to find it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Updates | Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates | Automatically Install downloads and installs iOS updates overnight under Apple’s charging and Wi-Fi conditions. Automatically Download downloads updates for you to install later. |
| System Files | Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates | A separate control for automatic system file updates. Apple says you can turn on its Automatically Install option while turning off automatic installation under iOS Updates. See the iOS 26 user guide. |
| Background Security Improvements | Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Security Improvements | Installs additional security protections between software updates. |
If the setting or an update is missing
- Check your iOS version: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the installed version and compatible available updates. Apple’s current iOS 26 guide lists iPhone 11 and later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), as compatible with iOS 26; that does not mean every older iPhone supports every release. See Apple’s compatibility and update guidance.
- Allow for different labels: Available controls depend on the installed iOS version. Use the labels shown on your device rather than assuming an older menu name is still current.
- Check whether the phone is managed: A work- or school-managed iPhone may have update behavior restricted or scheduled by an administrator. Apple’s device-management documentation covers update controls for supervised devices; ask your organization’s administrator if you cannot change a setting.
- If an update is already downloaded: the Software Update screen may offer Update Now or Update Tonight.
Back up before updating
Apple recommends backing up your iPhone before an update. Wi-Fi and charging are conditions for automatic overnight installation, not special products you need to enable the setting. Apple also notes that keeping software up to date is an important part of maintaining device security; see Apple’s update guidance.
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.
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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