Can’t Update to iOS 18.5 Release Candidate on iPhone and iPad? 5 Best Fixes!

iOS 18.5 Release Candidate, aka RC, has just landed with some pretty cool features like the adorable Pride wallpaper. While most iPhone owners have managed to install the RC version without any hassle, some users have faced unexpected roadblocks. If you are one of them, don’t panic. Try out these 5 best tips and tricks to fix the iOS 18.5 Release Candidate (RC) not installing on iPhone and iPad. Read on to…

1. Check Beta Profile Installation

First and foremost, I’d recommend you make sure your device is enrolled in either the Developer Beta or Public Beta program. Without a valid beta profile or Developer account, iOS 18.5 RC won’t show up in the Software Update section.

  • On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, and confirm that the iOS 18 or iOS 18.5 Beta profile is installed.
Choose VPN and device management

2. Ensure Your Device is Compatible

It’s also important to note that not all iPhones and iPads support the latest iOS 18.5 RC update. If you’re using an older device like iPhone X or below, the update may not be available. Only the iPhone XS/XR and later support iOS 18 or later.

3. Free Up Storage Space

Bear in mind that the iOS 18.5 RC requires more than 10GB of free space for download and installation. Yeah, I had to free up a solid 17GB free storage space on my iPhone in order to install it. If your device storage is nearly full, the RC installation will refuse to install.

  • On your iOS device, go to Settings > General.
  • Now, select iPhone Storage, delete unused apps, large videos, or old messages to make space.
Check storage on iPhone and iPad

4. Restart and Retry the Update

A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches or stuck update downloads.

  • Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons (on Face ID models) or just the Power button (on Touch ID models) to restart.
  • After restarting, go to Settings > General > Software Update and try downloading the update again.
Update Software in iOS 18

5. Use a Computer to Update via Finder or iTunes

If over-the-air (OTA) updates fail, use a Mac or Windows PC for a manual update.

  • Connect your iPhone or iPad via USB, open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier), and check for updates.
  • This method can bypass download bugs and often works when OTA updates do not.
Use a Computer to Update via Finder or iTunes

Wrapping up…

There you have it, folks! Running into problems while trying to install iOS 18.5 RC can be frustrating, but most issues stem from basic things like missing profiles, insufficient storage, or temporary software glitches.

By following the solutions above, you can troubleshoot the problem and get your iPhone or iPad updated smoothly. Just remember, if you’re not part of the beta program, the update won’t be available until the public rollout—so patience is key.

Posted by
Rashmi Mishra

Founder/CEO: Rashmi Mishra is a new-age entrepreneur and a die-hard tech lover. Though Rashmi has a special liking for iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch, she loves to take the hottest Android smartphones and Windows laptops for a spin. When she is not reading stories that are breaking the Internet, you will find her either crafting designs or fixing lives for good!

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