How Long Does the iOS 18 Take to Install in 2024

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Sophie Green

Updated on 2024-09-03 / iOS 18

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Updating an iPhone should be straightforward and take no more than a few steps. However, users sometimes face issues and may ask how long does iOS 18 take to install or why is my update taking so long iOS 18?

Whether you’re considering installing the new iOS 18, wondering how long it takes to install, or facing any related issues, this is the ultimate guide that’ll answer all of these questions and more.

Part 1: How Long Does the iOS 18 Take to Install?

It’s difficult to quote a specific time frame for installing iOS 18 on your iPhone. It depends on various factors and may vary from device to device, including the internet and storage space available on your device.

Normally, iOS updates shouldn’t take more than 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the connection's speed. If you have a stable internet connection with good speed, it’ll take 5 to 15 minutes to download the updated file and 15 to 20 minutes to install it.

Updating your iPhone to the iOS 18 shouldn’t take you more than 30 to 40 minutes. However, users may face delays in the update process due to various reasons.

Part 2: Why Is My Update Taking So Long to Install iOS 18?

Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS 18 shouldn’t take you more than 40 minutes, and that’s when you have an average internet connection.

However, if you have a stable internet connection but are still facing the “iPhone taking forever to update iOS 18” problem, here are some potential reasons why.

1. Poor Internet Connection

Updating the iPhone to the iOS 18 includes downloading the updated files from Apple, which requires a stable internet connection with good speed. The updating process can be affected if the internet is down or does not offer enough speed to download the updated file.

If your device has any particular network issues due to an iOS bug or glitch, you can reset the network settings to configure them. Go to Settings >> General >> Transfer & Reset iPhone, and tap on the Reset Network Settings option.

2. Insufficient Storage Space

Another common reason for the slow installation or update process getting stuck midway is the need for more storage space. During the update process, the iOS firmware update files require free storage space. Low storage on an iPhone will prevent the server from receiving updated files, leading to a delay in installing the updated device.

The update can stop midway or take longer if there isn’t enough storage space on the device. This can be resolved by deleting unnecessary apps, photos, and long HQ videos. To see the breakdown of device storage, go to Settings >> General >> iPhone Storage.

3. Damaged Cable

If your iPhone’s iOS 18 update takes longer on iTunes, it can be an issue related to the damaged or faulty cable connecting the iPhone to the computer. Inspect the cable closely, and try again.

4. Apple’s Server is Down

When the new updates are released, millions of users try to install them as soon as possible. This causes Apple’s server to overload and may not respond efficiently until restored, leading to delays in the installation of software updates.

If you think this may be the reason why the iOS 18 installation on your iPhone is taking forever, consider updating it at different times when there’s less traffic on the server. For instance, try installing it in the early morning or late at night.

5. iOS Bug & Glitch

Sometimes, the delay in the iOS installation is due to an iOS bug or glitch interfering with the installation process. Restarting your iPhone is an efficient and easy way to get rid of temporary bugs and glitches in iOS.

If a simple restart doesn’t work, try deleting the previously downloaded iOS files from the device. For instance, if your iPhone is running iOS 17, delete the iOS 17 file by navigating to Settings >> iPhone Storage, scrolling down until you find iOS 17, tapping on it, and selecting Delete.

Part 3: How to Fix When iPhone Taking Forever to Update iOS 18

If the above solutions didn’t fix the “iPhone taking forever to update iOS 18,” your iPhone might be severely affected by an iOS bug or glitch, interfering with the update process. Diagnosing the specific bug or glitch and fixing it efficiently can be tricky.

However, by using the AI-powered tool Tenorshare ReiBoot, one can easily remove and fix iOS bugs, glitches, and 150+ severe issues, including iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, iPhone black screen, and “iPhone taking forever to update iOS 18”.

Tenorshare ReiBoot offers a one-click solution to fix iOS-related issues. The whole process takes a minute, from diagnosing the problem to fixing it with the appropriate solution, and it takes a few minutes to complete.

Here’s how to fix “iPhone taking forever to update iOS 18” using Tenorshare ReiBoot:

  • After installing the Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer, launch it. Connect your affected iPhone to the computer using a compatible cable, and click on the Start Repair option.

    launch reiboot
  • Select the Standard Repair option, then click on the Standard Repair button.

    fix with reiboot
  • The program will ask you to download the firmware package required for the repair process. Hit on the Download button to initiate the downloading process.

    fix with reiboot
  • Once the downloading is completed, you can start the repair process by clicking on the Start Standard Repair option.

    fix with reiboot
  • Wait for the process to complete. Once it’s completed, your iPhone will restart automatically.

    repair successfully

Now go to Settings >> General >> Software Update, and initiate the iOS 18 update.

Part 4: How to Install iOS 18 without Developer Account/iTunes [One-Click]

If the iPhone takes forever to update to iOS 18, gets stuck midway, or fails due to an error, consider using an alternative method. Tenorshare ReiBoot offers a one-click solution to upgrade and downgrade the iOS version on your iPhone/iPad. It lets you bypass the conventional way to update your iPhone when experiencing installation issues.

  • Install the Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer. Launch it, and click on the iOS Upgrade/Downgrade option.

    launch reiboot
  • Connect your iPhone to the computer, and choose the upgrade option.

     advanced mode
  • Download the iOS 18 firmware by clicking on the Download button.

    download firmware
  • Once the firmware package is downloaded, click the Initiate Upgrade button and wait for it to complete.

    start upgrade

    Click Done when you finish.

    upgrade completed

FAQs About iOS 18 Install

Q1: How big is the download for iOS 18?

The iOS 18 requires 2.5GB of storage space on the iPhone to be installed. If the installation process is taking forever, make sure there’s sufficient storage space available. Go to Settings >> General >> iPhone Storage and check if there’s enough storage.

Q2: Can I skip iOS 17 and go to iOS 18?

No, you can’t update your iPhone to the latest iOS software update. First, you need iOS 17 to get the iOS 18. You can’t install the latest iOS release without installing the current iOS software update.

Q3: Should I update to iOS 18 or wait?

This depends solely on your personal preference. If you really want to try out the new features or have been waiting for them in the iPhone update for a long time, then go ahead and give it a try. However, keep in mind that the iOS 18 isn’t fully optimised and may have bugs.

Conclusion

Installing the latest iOS updates on the iPhone is always a fun and exciting experience for iPhone lovers. Newer software updates make your old phone give you a new feel by elevating your user experience. However, sometimes updating an iPhone can be a daunting task.

In this guide, we discussed how long does iOS 18 take to install and how to fix “iPhone taking forever to update iOS 18”. If installing the OTA update on your iPhone is taking forever, you can use the Tenorshare ReiBoot to install iOS 18.

Tenorshare ReiBoot

ReiBoot - No.1 Free iOS System Repair Software

Fix 150+ iOS Issues without Data Loss & Safely Upgrade/Downgrade

ReiBoot: No.1 iOS Repair Tool

Fix 150+ iOS Issues, No Data Loss