How to Delete iOS Updates and Reclaim Storage: Complete Guide for iPhone and iPad Users (iOS 18-26)

Your iPhone or iPad is pestering you with update notifications while storage runs dangerously low? You can take control: delete pending iOS updates to free up 4-7GB of temporary storage space, then configure your device to only update when you choose, not when Apple does.

What Is iOS Update Management and Deletion?

iOS update management means taking control of when and how your Apple device downloads and installs system updates. Unlike older iOS versions where updates happened automatically, current iOS (versions 18.x through 26.x as of February 2026) lets you delete downloaded update files, defer updates by up to 90 days, and disable automatic installations entirely.

This is particularly valuable because iOS updates require 4-7GB of temporary storage during download and installation, and your device may re-download failed or interrupted updates automatically—even if you don’t want them. By understanding these controls, you can schedule updates around your workflow rather than having them interrupt critical work.

Current as of: iOS 26.3 - February 2026

Why Use This Feature?

• Reclaim storage space immediately: Deleting a pending update frees 4-7GB of temporary storage that your device had reserved for the download and installation process. This is especially critical if you’re running below 5GB free space.

• Prevent performance slowdowns during work: Updates can trigger background processes and temporary slowdowns. Deferring updates lets you schedule them during evenings or weekends when you’re not working.

• Maintain stability during critical projects: If you’re in the middle of video editing, coding, or important client work, you can prevent your device from forcing a restart and update installation.

• Evaluate compatibility before committing: For power users and professionals, deferring updates for 30-90 days gives time to research whether a new iOS version causes issues with essential apps before your device auto-installs it.

Things to Consider

• Security updates still matter: When you defer or delete updates, you’re temporarily missing security patches. Don’t defer indefinitely—update within 1-2 weeks for security releases, or defer non-critical releases by the full 90 days if preferred. Check Apple’s security updates page to identify critical releases.

• Automatic re-downloads of interrupted updates: Turning off ‘Automatic Updates’ prevents future updates from auto-downloading, but if an update was already recognized by your device before you disabled it (such as from a previous failed attempt), iOS may still re-download that specific update. You’ll need to delete it again if it reappears.

• Regional and carrier variations exist: In the EU, Apple delays certain features to comply with Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations, which may affect update timing. Some carriers can enforce mandatory updates, and you may see an ‘OK’ button instead of ‘Update’ for carrier-mandated security patches. Japan enforces mandatory camera shutter sounds in the camera app regardless of your update settings. If you’re in mainland China, carrier-specific firmware modifications may override your update preferences for network compatibility.

How to Delete iOS Updates and Reclaim Storage—Step by Step

Step 1: Open Settings and Navigate to iPhone Storage

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad (gray icon with gear symbol on your home screen).

2. Tap General in the top section of settings.

3. Tap iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage on iPad devices)—this shows a breakdown of what’s consuming your storage space.

   PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Settings app open showing General section selected, with iPhone Storage option visible below

Step 2: Find and Delete the Pending Update File

4. Scroll down through the storage list until you locate an entry labeled iOS [Version Number] Update (for example, “iOS 26.3 Update”). This entry appears in a distinctive red color with an update icon.

5. Tap this entry to expand its details.

6. Tap the red Delete Update button that appears.

7. Confirm deletion when the popup appears asking “Delete iOS Update?”

   PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: iPhone Storage screen showing iOS update entry in red, with Delete Update button visible

Step 3: Verify Storage Has Been Reclaimed

8. Return to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to confirm the update file no longer appears in your storage list.

9. Check the total storage available at the top of the iPhone Storage screen—you should see approximately 4-7GB more free space than before.

   PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: iPhone Storage screen after deletion, showing increased available storage

Step 4: Prevent Automatic Re-Downloads of Future Updates

10. Go back to Settings > General > Software Update.
11. Locate the Automatic Updates toggle switch.
12. Tap the switch to turn it OFF (the switch will turn gray when disabled).

PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Software Update settings screen with Automatic Updates toggle visible and in OFF position

Step 5 (Optional): Set Up Update Deferral Schedule

If you want future updates to arrive but on a delayed schedule rather than immediately:

13. In Settings > General > Software Update, tap Update Schedule (if this option appears in your iOS version).
14. Select Automatic (Deferred) to delay updates by up to 90 days.
15. Your device will notify you when the deferral period ends and automatically install the update—unless you delete it again using Steps 1-3 above.

PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Update Schedule screen showing Automatic (Deferred) option selected

Important Note: If you’re using a managed device (iPad provided by your employer or school), your organization may override these settings. Contact your IT department to confirm whether deferral is allowed.

You now have complete control over your device’s update schedule: delete pending updates to immediately free 4-7GB of space, disable automatic updates to prevent surprise installations, and defer future updates by up to 90 days if you prefer. Remember to re-enable automatic updates or manually install critical security releases within 1-2 weeks to maintain device security.