How to stop your iPhone or iPad from automatically downloading app updates

Automatic app updates is a feature that, like its name suggests, updates your App Store apps automatically, ensuring you have the latest version on your device. This is, for most users, a great way to stay up-to-date without having to do anything manually.

However, some users like to remain in control of what is happening on their devices and may want to disable automatic app updates. In this post, we will show you how to prevent your iPhone or iPad from automatically downloading app updates.

Available app updates in iPhone App Store

When do automatic app updates happen anyway?

I looked through Apple’s support documents and couldn’t find details about how automatic app updates actually work, their refresh rate, etc. I’d assume that iOS doesn’t recklessly update apps at random times but rather intelligently proceeds. For example, and don’t quote me on that, I would assume that automatic app updates happen at night when you’re connected to a known Wi-Fi network, with your device plugged in and charged at 100%.

It might not work exactly as I’m thinking, but I’m sure I’m not too far off. For instance, I highly doubt iOS would check and update apps in the middle of the day when you’re at work with 30% of the battery left.

Note: All automatic updates are disabled when your iPhone or iPad is in Low Power Mode.

How to disable automatic app updates

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
  2. Scroll down and tap App Store.
  3. Under Automatic Downloads, turn off the switch next to App Updates.
Turn off automatic app updates on iPhone

Done! I personally don’t mind having this feature enabled, but I understand others might feel differently. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Besides that, you can also switch off:

  • App Downloads: This will stop apps you download on your other iPhone or iPad from automatically downloading on this device.
  • In-App Content: This will stop newly downloaded iPhone apps from auto-downloading in-app content in the background before you open them for the first time.

And if you’re on a limited cellular data plan, make sure the Automatic Downloads switch under the Cellular Data heading is turned off.

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