Update your iPhone to the Latest iOS Using Mac Computer

If you have a Mac and would like to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version from your Mac, the step-by-step guides discussed here is for you.

In previous tutorials, we have discussed how to set your iPhone to download and install updates automatically on the page linked here and how to manually update your iPhone to the latest iOS using the iPhone itself on the page here but then, if you are not so comfortable with any of the previously discussed methods and would like to use your Mac to update your iPhone firmware to the latest iOS version instead; you are at the right place.

So, how can you update your iPhone to the latest available iOS version for your iPhone model using your Mac?

How to Update your iPhone with a Mac Computer

To update your iPhone using a Mac computer, first, plug your iPhone into your Mac computer with a compatible USB cable for your iPhone. Afterwards, open a Finder window on your Mac and from there, select your iPhone. You'll see your iPhone listed on the left sidebar of the Finder window on your Mac. Next, select General > Check for Update > Download and Update.

Well, that's the simplest and the most straightforward explanation I can give for how to update your iPhone with a Mac computer. Meanwhile, if you would still prefer to check the expanded step-by-step guides on how to update your iPhone with a Mac computer, see the step-by-step guides illustrated below here.

Note:

It is recommended that you backup all your important data from your iPhone before you proceed as you may loose your files to the process. You may refer to these tutorials for help on how to backup your iPhone data:

• Backup iPhone to Mac - Easy Step-by-Step Guides

• How to Backup iPhone to Windows PC

• How to Backup your iPhone to iCloud

1. Power "On" your iPhone and Mac Computer

   Here, I am assuming both your iPhone and Mac computer are currently turned OFF. Obviously, you know you cannot access either of your iPhone or Mac while they're both turned "OFF" but I guess it's a good thing I take the tutorial from the scratch. Therefore, in order to proceed, you'll need to first turn ON your iPhone and the Mac.

   
   

2. Plug your iPhone into your Mac

   Once both your iPhone and Mac are fully operational, using its compatible USB cable, plug your iPhone into your Mac.

   
   

   Note:

   Your Mac must be connected to a strong and reliable WiFi network throughout the whole operation.

3. Now, Open Finder Window on your Mac

   To open Finder on Mac;

   
   

   • Locate the half-blue, half-gray face icon in your dock then, click on it.

   • Alternatively, to open Finder; you can also click any empty space on your desktop and press the command + N keys on your keyboard simulteneously thus, at the same time.

   Note:

   Finder on Mac uses windows and icons to show you the contents of your Mac computer, iCloud Drive, and other storage devices. It's called Finder because it helps you to find and organize your files on a Mac.

4. Next, Select your iPhone

   If you have opened Finder window on your Mac as instructed from the previous step, your iPhone should now be listed in the left sidebar of the Finder window under Locations. If you don’t see it, scroll down to the bottom of the left sidebar.

   
   

   Note:

   • If you could not find your iPhone still, click the Finder icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen and select Preferences. From here, click the Sidebar tab at the top of the pop-up window and check the box next to CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices.

   • If this is the first time a connection is established between the iPhone and this Mac, you will have to click Trust on your Mac and then tap Trust this device on your iPhone. And to confirm that action, you will have to enter your iPhone’s passcode.

5. From your Mac Screen, Select "General" Tab

   You can locate the "General" tab near the top of the Finder window.

   
   

6. Now, Click "Check for Update"

   Clicking on this would allow your Mac check for any available iOS updates for your connected iPhone model and would notify you of any available updates, almost immediately.

   
   

7. Download and Update

   Now, if any updates is available, you'll see an option that writes; "Update", just click it. And when prompted to verify, click Update.

   
   

   Note:

   Depending on your signal strenght and the speed of your internet connection, it might take a while for the update to finish downloading and installing on your iPhone. Just ensure your iPhone remains connected to the Mac throughout the entire process.