When you install a software update on your iPhone or iPad, it will always perform certain tasks in the background. This could include cleaning up the previous software or synchronizing data. Since iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, you will be notified with the message: Update is completing in the background.
This indicates that your iPhone or iPad is still busy processing the software update in the background and the battery life may be temporarily shortened.
Update is completing in the background
Since iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, you can check on your iPhone or iPad whether the device is still busy installing and processing a software update. Previously this was not reported by the software, but from now on you can find out whether an update is still being completed in the background.
Check update process
Have you initiated a software update on your iPhone or iPad? This will then be installed first and the screen will temporarily show an Apple logo. You can then still use the device, but certain installation processes may still be completed in the background. You can check this via the steps below.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to ‘Battery’
- Check the notification under ‘Insights and suggestions’
If your iPhone or iPad has not yet completed the software update, you will see a message. This informs you that the update is being completed in the background. You can continue to use your iPhone while this process is completed and it is normal for it to take a while. In some cases even several days.
Battery life temporarily reduced
While iOS or iPad is processing the update, battery life may be reduced. The temperature of the device can also be increased temporarily. Once the update is complete, battery life and thermal performance may improve.