Even though it’s pretty straightforward to update an iPhone using the Apple Devices app, there are a few gotchas to keep in mind. Mainly, you don’t wanna forget to back up your device first — either to iCloud or your computer via iTunes (or Finder if you’re on a Mac).Because, of course, Windows and Apple can make things a little more complicated than they need to be.
How to Update Your iPhone from a Windows PC
The Apple Devices app for Windows doesn’t fetch beta firmware updates — only the stable releases. If you’re part of the Apple Beta Software Program and want to get a beta version installed, you’ll have to do that through your iPhone’s Settings app instead. So, basically, if you’re on the beta track, this method only works for official iOS updates, not betas.
Here’s how to keep your iPhone updated the right way with Windows, because it’s surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it:
Method 1: Using the Apple Devices App
- Download & install the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store.
- Connect your iPhone to your Windows PC with a good-quality USB cable. No, Bluetooth won’t do it here — gotta have the cable for this one.
- Make sure to unlock your iPhone and tap Trust to allow your PC to communicate with your device. You’ll likely see a prompt on your iPhone, so just tap “Trust” and enter your passcode if needed.
- Open the Apple Devices app on your PC. It should detect your iPhone pretty quickly — if not, try reconnecting.
- Navigate to the Menu (usually some lines or hamburger icon) and select General from the options.
- Hit the Check for Update button in the Software section. The app will start looking for available updates — if your iPhone is up to date, you’ll get a message saying so.
- If an update is available, click the Update button. It might take a bit, so ensure your PC is plugged in or at least has a decent power source — no one wants to lose progress mid-update.
- Accept the terms & conditions, tap Continue, and follow on-screen instructions. Your iPhone may restart several times. Just wait it out.
Pro tip: On some setups, restarting both your PC and iPhone first helps. Sometimes, the app just refuses to detect the device properly on the first try.
Method 2: Using Windows iTunes (a workaround, but works)
- If you’re more comfortable with iTunes (or can’t get the Apple Devices app working), that’s still an option. Download and install the latest version from Apple’s official iTunes page.
- Open iTunes, connect your iPhone via cable, and trust the computer — same trust prompt. Make sure iTunes recognizes your device (it shows up in the top bar or sidebar).
- Go to Summary under your device in iTunes. Here’s where you’ll check for the update.
- Click Check for Update — if there’s one, you’ll see a prompt to download and install.
- Follow the prompts, accept the terms, and let the process run. This can be slower if you’re on a slow connection, but it works pretty reliably.
Honestly, on some machines, this failed the first time — no alerts, no errors, just…no update happening. A reboot of your PC or iPhone can sometimes do the trick, then try again.
Other Uses of the Apple Devices App?
Besides updating, this app is handy for backing up your iPhone on Windows, transferring files, or even managing photos. It’s like having a little bridge between your iPhone and PC. Just keep in mind, it’s still kind of a new thing and not as full-featured as iTunes or Finder on Mac — but for quick updates, it works.
Getting your iPhone updates done on Windows isn’t nearly as painful as it used to be, especially with this app. Just remember to back up first — that part’s non-negotiable. And if things don’t go smoothly the first time, try reconnecting, restarting, or updating your iTunes version if you’re using that.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. It’s kinda satisfying when everything clicks, and your iPhone is up to date again.
Summary
- Download and install the Apple Devices app from Microsoft Store
- Connect your iPhone with a USB cable and trust the device
- Open the app, navigate to General, and check for updates
- Follow prompts to finish updating
- As a backup, you can also use iTunes if needed
Wrap-up
Keeping your iPhone up to date from Windows isn’t as complicated as it might seem at first. The main thing is to have the right cables, trust prompts squared away, and ensure your software (Apple Devices app or iTunes) is current. If an update just won’t go through, rebooting devices or reconnecting often helps. Sometimes, Windows has a weird way of making simple tasks frustrating, but once it’s done, it’s all smooth sailing. Fingers crossed this helps someone get their latest iOS on that dusty Windows machine.