The iOS 10 update is here with loads of new features in a more compact download. The iOS 10 update will take some time to download and install, so not all users should start immediately when iOS 10 is released.
With the iOS 10 update, users get new Messages apps, shared iPhone notes, better control of read receipts, and a bunch of new Message features. Check out what’s new in iOS 10 for more details.
The iOS 10 update will work on most devices currently running iOS 9, but not all.
A question we hear every year with this major update and are already starting to hear from readers is, “How long will it take to download and install the iOS 10 update?”
How long does it take to install the iOS 10 update?
There isn’t a single answer, but based on our experience with previous updates, we can help you understand how much time you need to devote to downloading and installing iOS 10.
If you try to download the iOS 9 update as soon as it’s available, you’ll likely see longer download times, causing the overall installation to take longer. Waiting a few hours after iOS 10 launch can greatly speed up the process.
How Long Does the iOS 10 Update Take?
Assuming Apple isn’t running into server issues, you have a fast Internet connection, and you’re ready to install iOS 10, installing iOS 10 can take as little as 30 minutes, but that’s variable and it’s a good idea. budget an hour.
The table below summarizes how long each step can take to complete as you work through the iOS 10 download and installation process.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Synchronization (Optional) | 5-45 minutes |
| Backup and Transfer (Optional) | 1-30 minutes |
| iOS 10 Download | 15 Minutes – Hour |
| iOS 10 Update | 15-30 Minutes |
| Total iOS 10 Update Time | 30 minutes – Hour |
The iOS 10 update will take longer during the first few hours of the iOS 10 release date as millions of users are trying to download and install the update. If you want to avoid long download times, try installing iOS 10 later in the day or wait a day for faster speeds.
While the first two tasks are optional, we strongly recommend that you make a recent backup of your iPhone before installing iOS 10. It is unlikely that you will have problems wiping your phone, but it could still happen. You won’t lose anything with a new iTunes or iCloud backup.
Check out our guide to 10 things to do before installing iOS 10 for other tips on how to prepare and shorten the time it takes to update after Apple initiates downloads.
iOS 10 Download Times
iOS 10 download sizes vary from one device to the next, but you should expect to see a more manageable update than it was two years ago when Apple needed massive amounts of storage. The iOS 10 update size is only 1.00GB for many users, although some see a 1.79GB update.
The iOS 10 update isn’t huge, but it will take some time to download.
In the best-case scenario, iOS 10 download will take 15 minutes, but we’ve seen iOS 8 download times reach six hours as soon as the update is ready. Many of these high iOS download times have sped up, but if you try to download in the early hours of the release, you can expect to see times longer than 15 minutes.
iOS 10 Installation Time
The iOS 10 installation shouldn’t take too long to complete. In most cases this is completed in 15 minutes or less. It’s a good idea to make sure you have longer if something goes wrong or it takes longer, but it’s a safe bet.
iOS 10 install will likely be faster than iOS 10 download.
You cannot use iPhone or iPad at all while iOS 10 is being installed. Make sure you keep this in mind before you tap on install or you won’t be able to make calls or send texts.
You can expect the iPhone or iPad to reboot several times during this process.
Backup, Sync, and Transfer Purchases
The longest steps in an iOS 10 update are the cleanup steps that many users avoid until a major update or wish they had already done it if something went wrong.
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If you’re not using iCloud Backup, it’s a good idea to make sure you plug it into your computer and back up before installing iOS 10. If you haven’t done this in a while, expect to spend 15 to 30. minutes for this operation.
You may also want to transfer purchases from your iPhone or iPad to iTunes when connected. If you choose to do this they will be restored to your device if you need to restore from a backup, they won’t if you skip this step. We recommend at least a fresh backup because you can get your apps back from the App Store if needed.
You can see what’s new in iOS 10 in the video above, and see more details about these new features and changes in the slides below comparing iOS 10 to iOS 9.
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