Header Banner
Gadget Hacks Logo
Gadget Hacks
iOS & iPhone
gadgethacks.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Shop Apple Guides Android Guides iPhone Guides Mac Guides Pixel Guides Samsung Guides Tweaks & Hacks Privacy & Security Productivity Hacks Movies & TV Smartphone Gaming Music & Audio Travel Tips Videography Tips Chat Apps
Account settings screen showing app updates for Google Chrome and Reddit.

Since iOS 7, your iPhone automatically updates all of your apps, which is a wonderful thing ... until it's not. Not only does this feature drain the battery quicker when enabled, it can also bring changes to features, settings, and user interfaces in the apps that you already know and love. That's why you can easily disable the feature and stop apps from automatically updating.

Overall, automatic app updates are a good thing. But manually updating your apps isn't a crazy thing to want, either. So to disable automatic app updates, open the Settings app, go into "iTunes & App Store," and toggle off "App Updates" under Automatic Downloads. That's it.

Settings menu showing 'Zoom & Accessibility' option highlighted.
App settings page with options for notifications and automatic downloads.
Settings menu showing 'Zoom & Accessibility' option highlighted.
App settings page with options for notifications and automatic downloads.

Now, your applications won't automatically download in the background. Instead, a notification badge will appear on the App Store app each time an update is released. You'll have to then go into the App Store and choose to either install all updates at once or one at a time.

Cover photo and screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/Gadget Hacks

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check our list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow our step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!