One possible reason why your new iPhone is stuck on the software update iOS 15 is that the downloaded update file may have become corrupted during the downloading process. This can happen due to various reasons, such as a poor internet connection or interruptions in the download process.
When you initiate a software update on your iPhone, it connects to Apple’s servers to download the necessary files. If there are any disruptions or issues during this download, it can result in a corrupted update file. This means that the update file is incomplete or contains errors, which prevents your iPhone from properly installing the update.
Corrupted update files can cause your iPhone to get stuck on the “preparing update” screen because the device is unable to successfully verify and process the corrupted files. As a result, your iPhone may be unable to progress beyond this stage and may appear to be frozen.
To determine if the update file is indeed corrupted, you can check for some common signs. For example, if the download process was interrupted or if you received an error message during the update, it is likely that the update file is corrupted. Additionally, if your iPhone has been stuck on the preparing update screen for an unusually long time, it could be an indication of a corrupted update file.
To resolve this issue, you can try the following steps:
1. Restart your iPhone: Press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Slide it to power off your device. Once your iPhone is turned off, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears and your device restarts. This simple restart can sometimes resolve minor software glitches and may help your iPhone proceed with the update.
2. Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable and reliable internet connection before attempting to update your iPhone. A weak or intermittent connection can lead to incomplete downloads, which can result in a corrupted update file. Connect to a strong Wi-Fi network or use a wired connection to ensure a stable internet connection.
3. Delete and re-download the update: If you suspect that the update file is corrupted, you can delete it from your iPhone and try downloading it again. To do this, go to the “Settings” app, tap on “General,” and then select “iPhone Storage.” Locate the iOS update in the list of apps and tap on it. From here, you can choose to delete the update. Afterward, go back to the “Software Update” section in the “Settings” app and try downloading the update again.
4. Update via iTunes/Finder: If you are still unable to update your iPhone over the air (OTA), you can try updating it using iTunes on a computer or Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later. Connect your iPhone to the computer, open iTunes/Finder, and select your device. Look for the option to update your iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions. This method can sometimes bypass any issues with the OTA update process.
5. Restore your iPhone: If none of the above steps work, you may need to restore your iPhone using iTunes/Finder. This will erase all data on your device, so it is essential to have a recent backup. Connect your iPhone to the computer, open iTunes/Finder, and select your device. Choose the option to restore your iPhone and follow the instructions. Afterward, you can restore your data from the backup.
It’s worth mentioning that these steps may vary slightly depending on your iPhone model and the version of iOS you are running. If you’re unsure or need further assistance, it might be helpful to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for personalized help.
In my personal experience, I have encountered instances where an interrupted or corrupted download caused my iPhone to get stuck on the preparing update screen. By following the steps mentioned above, I was able to resolve the issue and successfully update my device. However, it is essential to be cautious and ensure you have a backup of your data before attempting any troubleshooting steps that involve restoring your iPhone.