iPhone (iOS) · System
See Every iOS Version Installed on This Device
Update History, found on the General → About screen, lists every iOS and iPadOS version that has ever been installed on this specific device, along with the date each one was installed.
How to open Update History
- Open Settings → General → About.
- Scroll down and tap iOS Update History (or similar, depending on iOS version).
- Review the list of installed versions and their install dates.
- Cross-reference a specific update date if troubleshooting when an issue started.
What you should know
- Lists each installed version number alongside its install date.
- Includes both full iOS version updates and smaller Security Responses.
- Useful for confirming exactly when a specific update was applied.
- Doesn't include updates that failed partway through or were never completed.
Why it matters
When trying to pin down exactly when a bug or behavior change started, Update History gives you an objective timeline instead of relying on memory. It's also a quick way to confirm that a specific security update you expected to install actually completed successfully.
Best practices
- Check Update History after troubleshooting to confirm an update actually completed rather than assuming from a notification alone.
- Reference the dates here if you're trying to correlate a new issue with a recent software update.
- Don't rely on this list to include partially failed installs — it only shows successfully completed updates.
Common problems and fixes
- A recently installed update doesn't appear in the history yet
- Restart the iPhone, since the history list can take a moment to refresh after an install completes.
- Can't tell whether a Security Response or a full iOS update was installed on a given date
- Security Responses typically show a letter suffix (like 18.1.1 (a)) in the version number, distinguishing them from full iOS releases.
Tips and tricks
- Update History is a handy way to double-check that a Security Response installed successfully after a prompt, without digging through notifications.
Frequently asked questions
Does Update History carry over when I set up a new iPhone from a backup?
No, Update History reflects the physical device's own software timeline, so a new iPhone starts its own fresh history regardless of what backup you restore.
Can I use Update History to undo or roll back to a previous iOS version?
No, this screen is informational only — reverting to an older iOS version isn't officially supported by Apple in almost all cases.
Related settings
- Software UpdateSoftware Update keeps iOS current with the latest security fixes, features, and app compatibility. You can update wirelessly, overnight while charging, or via a computer.
- Automatic UpdatesAutomatic Updates, found inside Software Update settings, controls whether iOS downloads and installs new versions on its own overnight — while charging and on Wi-Fi — without you needing to tap through it manually.
- General & AboutThe About screen lists identifying and technical details about your iPhone — name, iOS version, model and serial numbers, storage capacity, and carrier information — that support staff and other apps often need.
More System guides for iPhone (iOS)
- BatteryThe Battery screen shows your battery's current health and charging behavior, breaks down which apps used the most power recently, and includes Low Power Mode for stretching a low charge further.
- Beta UpdatesBeta Updates lets you opt an iPhone into Apple's Developer or Public Beta program directly from Software Update settings, so it receives pre-release iOS versions ahead of the general public release.
- Rapid Security ResponsesRapid Security Responses deliver urgent security fixes between full iOS releases, installing quickly and, unlike major updates, without requiring a full device restart in most cases.
- Carrier Settings UpdateCarrier Settings Updates are small packages issued by a mobile carrier to improve network performance, enable new features like VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling, and fix connectivity bugs, independent of iOS software updates.
- App Store Automatic App UpdatesSeparate from iOS software updates, the App Store has its own setting for automatically installing new versions of installed apps as developers release them.
- Update iPhone via ComputerAs an alternative to updating over the air, iPhone can be updated by connecting it to a Mac with Finder or a Windows PC with iTunes, which downloads and installs the update via a wired or Wi-Fi connection to the computer.