Updating iPhone apps is simple:
- Manually via App Store → Tap your profile → Update or Update All.
- Automatically via Settings > App Store → toggle App Updates.
- You can update without payment by setting payment method to “None”, unless blocked by dues or subscriptions.
Introduction
How to update apps on iPhone is a question many users ask. New updates bring bug fixes, better security, and fresh features. If you keep your apps outdated, they may crash or stop working.
Apple makes the process simple, but many people still get confused. Should you update apps manually or turn on automatic updates? What if you have no payment method?
In this guide, I will show you clear steps for iOS 17 and iOS 18. The process is quick, easy, and helps your iPhone run smoothly every day.
Table of Contents
Tap & Go: How to update apps on iPhone manually
Updating apps by hand gives you more control. It also feels quick and simple. Many iPhone users still like this option because it avoids surprise changes. Around 80% of iOS users prefer to check and update apps on their own. Apple, The Verge, and GetAssist all confirm that manual updates remain popular.
Steps to update manually:
- Open App Store: Tap the blue icon on your iPhone home screen.
- Tap your profile: It is on the top right corner.
- Scroll to see pending updates: A list of apps waiting will appear.
- Tap Update next to each app: Updates begin right away.
- Tap Update All: This updates all apps together.
Pro tip: Swipe down on the profile page to refresh. This works well in iOS 17 when updates sometimes lag, as Reddit users note.
Manually updating lets you see each app’s changes. Some prefer this to avoid bugs from automatic updates. It is easy, clear, and takes only seconds once you know where to tap.
Quick Fixes When Updates Disappear
Sometimes updates vanish from the App Store screen. If that happens, try these fixes:
- Force quit the App Store: Swipe up and close, then reopen.
- Sign out and back into Apple ID: This refreshes your account link.
- Check your Wi-Fi: Weak internet may block updates.
- Free up space: Less than 5 GB storage can stop updates.
These steps solve most missing update issues. The Verge and Clark Connect note that low storage is a common block. Reddit users also report that signing out often refreshes the update list.
Stay Current: Enable automatic app updates on iPhone
Automatic updates save time and effort. They also keep your apps safe. Many users prefer this option for peace of mind. Apple Support and Lifewire explain how to switch it on.
Steps to turn on automatic updates:
- Go to Settings: Tap the grey gear icon.
- Tap App Store: Find it in the list.
- Toggle App Updates: Switch it on under Automatic Downloads.
This way, your iPhone installs updates as they arrive. The main benefit is fresh security patches and new features without delay. But the drawback is that it may use data in the background. Lifewire points out that large updates can eat into mobile data.
Automatic updates are smart for people who want no manual checks. Still, it helps to know how to control data use.
Tame Data Use
You may want to limit data if you rely on mobile internet. Try these settings:
- Turn off Use Cellular Data: In App Store settings, switch this off.
- Keep Wi-Fi on for updates: Updates will wait for Wi-Fi and save mobile data.
Clark Connect explains that disabling cellular data prevents surprise charges. Auburn University IT notes that this is one of the most common questions among students. With this simple change, you can enjoy automatic updates without worry about costs.
No Card? How to update apps on iPhone without payment method
Many users think a card is always required. But you can update apps without one. Apple allows this if no balance or subscriptions exist. Clark Connect and TMS confirm that the “None” option works in most cases.
Steps to remove payment method:
- Go to Settings: Tap the gear icon.
- Tap Apple ID: It shows your name at the top.
- Tap Payment & Shipping: Choose this option.
- Select None: This removes the card from your account.
If you still see a card option only, some conditions apply. “None” will not appear if you have unpaid balance, active subscriptions, or Family Sharing enabled.
This step is handy for free app updates. It also works if you want to limit purchases for children.
Workarounds if “None” Is Missing
If the option “None” does not show, try these fixes:
- Clear unpaid dues: Pay balance or cancel subscriptions.
- Create new Apple ID: Choose “None” during setup.
- Switch region temporarily: Some users note it makes “None” appear.
Reddit threads confirm that region change sometimes works when other methods fail. Clark Connect also states that many users miss the unpaid balance rule. By clearing dues, the issue usually goes away.
Updating apps without a card keeps things simple. It helps when you only use free apps or want tight control.
What’s New: iOS 18 and widget-style app shortcuts
Apple continues to refine the way we use apps. iOS 18 brings a fresh style of updates for daily use. The Sun reports that iPhone users can now hold an app icon to reveal widget-style shortcuts.
Examples of widget shortcuts:
- WhatsApp: Quick view of recent chats.
- Apple Music: See the last played tracks.
- Calendar: Check upcoming events without opening the app.
- Weather: Glance at conditions directly from the home screen.
These shortcuts appear with a simple press and hold. They reduce the need to open each app fully.
Why This Matters
The widget shortcuts give faster access to app functions.
- Richer context: See more without leaving the home screen.
- Faster actions: Send messages or play music in fewer taps.
- UI updates: Matches the fresh look of iOS 18 upgrades.
This shift reflects Apple’s move to make updates practical. Instead of only background fixes, the user also sees everyday improvements. It shows how app updates now affect both function and style.
Cross-Platform Insight: How to update apps on Android vs iPhone
Both iPhone and Android keep apps updated. But their methods feel a little different. Auburn IT and other sources explain how each system works.
Steps on Android:
- Open Google Play Store: Tap the colorful triangle icon.
- Tap your profile: Top right of the screen.
- Tap Manage apps & device: Shows apps with pending updates.
- Tap Update or Update All: Starts the update process.
Contrast with iPhone:
- App Store only: Apple routes all updates through its App Store.
- Automatic toggle: iPhone users switch on App Updates under Settings.
- Manual option: iPhone users can still update one by one.
Android gives per-app auto-update settings, while iPhone groups them. This small contrast shows Apple’s simpler but less flexible style.
Keep Your Apps Fresh and Up-to-Date
Updating apps keeps your iPhone safe and smooth. You can update manually for control or turn on automatic updates for ease. Even without a payment card, updates are still possible.
If updates vanish, quick fixes like refreshing the App Store usually work. iOS 18 also adds widget shortcuts for faster access.
Now it is your turn. Keep your apps current, avoid issues, and enjoy new features.
Update today and keep your iPhone running at its best.
FAQs
Can I disable automatic app updates?
Yes, you can turn them off anytime.
Go to Settings: Tap the gear icon.
Tap App Store: Find it in the list.
Switch off App Updates: Automatic updates will stop.
Why can’t I update free apps without a card?
This usually happens when you owe money or have an active subscription. TMS notes that the “None” option is hidden if payments are pending. Clearing balances or removing subscriptions solves this problem.
What if App Store doesn’t show updates?
Sometimes the list feels stuck. Clark Connect explains two quick fixes:
Swipe down: Refresh the update screen.
Sign out and in again: This refreshes your Apple ID.
Both steps usually bring the updates back.
Are app updates timed automatically?
Yes, but not always right away. Some users report that automatic updates may take a day or more to appear. The process depends on Apple’s servers and your device’s settings.
