How to update apps on an iPhone
2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Open the App Store, tap your picture in the top right corner, pull the page down to refresh, and tap Update All. To have it happen by itself, switch on App Updates under Settings, Apps, App Store.
App updates fix bugs and security problems and add features. Most people let the iPhone do it automatically, but a manual check is useful when an app misbehaves.
Menu names are from iOS 26. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.
Step by step
Open the App Store and tap your picture
It is in the top right corner of the Today tab.
Pull down to refresh
Drag the page down and let go. The list of waiting updates reloads.
Tap Update All
Or tap Update next to a single app. Tap an app's name to read what changed.
Turn on automatic updates
Open Settings, Apps, App Store and switch on App Updates.
Good to know
Large updates wait for Wi-Fi by default. Change this under Settings, Apps, App Store, Mobile Data.
If an update will not start, check free storage under Settings, General, iPhone Storage and restart the phone.
An app that is no longer in the App Store cannot be updated. It keeps working until an iOS update breaks it.
In short: App Store, your picture, pull down, Update All.
- Apple Support: How to manually update apps on your Apple device
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.