The duration required for an iPhone to prepare for an iOS 18 update can vary significantly. Several factors influence this timeframe, including the device’s available storage space, the stability of the internet connection, and the overall processing power of the iPhone model. Generally, the “preparing update” phase precedes the actual installation and involves downloading the necessary files and readying them for integration with the existing operating system. Expect a preparation phase ranging from a few minutes to potentially over an hour.
Understanding the factors that affect the preparation phase is crucial for a smoother upgrade experience. Insufficient storage forces the device to clear space, which adds time. An unstable or slow network connection inevitably delays the download process. Older iPhone models, with less processing power, will naturally take longer to prepare the files compared to newer devices with more efficient processors and ample memory. This preparation is critical; a stable, well-prepared update minimizes the risk of installation errors and ensures optimal performance post-installation. Historically, the preparation phase has become more streamlined with each iOS release, but these aforementioned variables remain impactful.
