How to get iOS 15 on your iPhone

Three iPhones running iOS 15
(Image credit: Apple)

iOS 15 has now arrived, the anticipated update since it was unveiled at WWDC 2021, alongside macOS 12, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8 and tvOS 15.

Focusing on productivity this year, the latest iOS update refines many features that you use each day, alongside some new ones, such as a redesigned Weather app, a new way of managing notifications, and more.

However, you must also have a compatible device: any iPhone from the iPhone 12 to iPhone 6S will run iOS 15, as will both iPhone SEs and the iPod Touch (7th Gen). Whichever you own, we highly recommend backing up your iPhone before installing iOS 15.

Below, we'll break down the simple steps on how to download iOS 15.

How to install iOS 15 on your iPhone

WWDC 2021 screenshot

(Image credit: Apple)

Make sure your iPhone is compatible – from an iPhone 12 to an iPhone 6S will be able to run iOS 15, as will both iPhone SE models and the iPod Touch (7th Gen).

Head to Settings > General > Software Update and iOS 15 should show as available to download. Make sure that you have the space available for it, and it should start the process.

Michael Hicks

Michael Hicks began his freelance writing career with TechRadar in 2016, covering emerging tech like VR and self-driving cars. Nowadays, he works as a staff editor for Android Central, but still writes occasional TR reviews, how-tos and explainers on phones, tablets, smart home devices, and other tech.

Read more
iOS 18
iOS 18: new features, compatible devices, and everything you need to know
Apple iPhone 16 Review
iOS 18.3 is here with a major change to how you enable Apple Intelligence
Three iPhones on a blue and red background running Apple Intelligence
iOS 18.3: key upgrades and bug fixes for Visual Intelligence, Apple Music, and more
Apple's Craig Federighi presenting customization options in iOS 18 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
iOS 19: new features, a new design, and everything you need to know
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 18.4: 5 new features to expect, including Ambient Music and Photos filtering
Apple Intelligence logo on an iPhone.
Apple's next iOS and macOS update will turn on Apple Intelligence if your iPhone or Mac can run it
Latest in iPhone
The home screen on an iPhone 16e smartphone
I think the iPhone 16e is too expensive – and as it turns out, so does nearly everybody else
Apple CEO Tim Cook
Forget Siri, Apple needs to launch a folding iPhone and get back on track
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW
The latest batch of leaked iPhone 17 dummy units appear to show where glass meets metal on the new designs
Apple iPhone 16e REVIEW
The iPhone 16e’s 5G performance seemingly has the iPhone 16’s beat
Tim Cook
The EU wants Apple to open iOS to competitors and this is the mother of all bad ideas
Apple iPhone 16 Review
iPhone 18 series: the 5 biggest rumors so far, from camera upgrades to new display tech
Latest in How Tos
Canada's Val Sweeting competes during the LGT World Womens Curling Championship match for third place ahead of Canada's showing at the Women's Curling World Championships 2025
Women's Curling World Championships live stream: how to watch Uijeongbu 2025 online, schedule, streaming guide
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, reacts during a training session at St George's Park on March 17, 2025 in Burton upon Trent, England.
England vs Albania live stream: How to watch 2026 World Cup qualifier online and from anywhere today, team news
Smartphone with new logo X twitter app background. Application twitter old blue bird change X black and white new.
How to delete all your tweets on X
ChatGPT Voice mode
How to add ChatGPT or Gemini voice mode to your iPhone Action button (while you wait for Siri's big upgrade)
McLaren’s Lando Norris leads Red Bull’s Max Verstappen driving round a bend at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix
How to watch Chinese Grand Prix 2025: TV & live streams, schedule, start time, what channel is it on? Hamilton on Sprint pole
A stethoscope next to a laptop on a pink background
How to check if your VPN is working