How to update an app on iPhone or iPad

Key Takeaways

Just like iOS updates, app updates fix bugs, improve compatibility, and add new features. A misbehaving app often needs an update.
Update apps manually: Long-press the App Store icon > Updates > Update All or individual apps, OR open App Store > Profile picture > See all updates.
Enable automatic updates for convenience: Go to Settings > App Store > Toggle on App Updates.

Just like iOS updates, it’s essential to ensure that third-party apps on your iPhone are also updated. In each new version, the developer fixes bugs, introduces new features, and improves its compatibility and stability with the operating system.

Many times, when an app misbehaves or crashes, we advise users to update the app on their iPhone or iPad. Here are two ways to do so!

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How to update apps manually on iOS 17 and iPadOS 17

From the Home Screen or App Library, long-press the App Store icon.
Choose Updates.
Tap Update All or Update next to individual apps.

Alternatively, you may also open the App Store and tap your profile picture from the top right.

Here, you will see all the available updates.

Notes:

The method to update apps remains the same on iOS 17, 16, and 16
To refresh the available app updates list, pull down the update screen.
If you are unable to update, make sure you have enough free space on your iPhone. Also, restart your device and try again. If nothing works, make sure you are signed into the App Store using your Apple ID.

How to automatically update apps on iPhone and iPad

Managing automatic app updates on your iPhone and iPad is pretty easy.

By enabling this feature, you don’t have to worry about constantly checking for app updates. The apps will be automatically updated as and when a new version is available on the App Store.

Open iPhone Settings.
Tap App Store.
Under Automatic Downloads, toggle on App Updates.
- Optional: Have unlimited mobile data? If yes, from under CELLULAR DATA, you may choose to turn on Automatic Downloads.

This is how you can update iPhone and iPad apps in iOS 17 and earlier. I hope this guide was helpful and answered what you were looking for. If you have any queries, share them in the comments below.

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