Fix iOS 18 Beta Stuck on Preparing Update on iPhone/iPad [Newest Guide]

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2024-06-27 / Update for  iOS 18

After a long wait, you finally got the iOS 18 beta update on your iPhone and decided to update it overnight. However, you wake up to find it still stuck on the "Preparing Update" screen. Apple recommends updating your iPhone overnight to avoid the wait and interruptions.

However, sometimes, the iOS update can get stuck when preparing the update screen, no matter how many times you initiate it. This can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re eager to install the new iOS 18 beta on your iPhone.

If you’re facing “iOS 18 beta stuck on preparing update” this is the ultimate guide to help you fix “iphone stuck on preparing update ios 18 beta” efficiently with effective methods.

Part 1: How Long Does Preparing Update Take iOS 18 Beta?

The process of preparing updates for iOS updates can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, spending time on the device and the internet connection speed of the device connected to it. If your iPhone/iPad device gets stuck on preparing an updated screen for a longer period, there may be an issue which needs to be fixed in order to update the device.

Part 2: Why Is My iOS 18 Beta Update Taking So Long to Prepare?

Various factors can affect the software update process on iPhone, such as internet connection speed, available storage space on the device, and Apple’s server status. If your iPhone is unable to proceed further than the preparing update screen, it is likely due to one of these issues.

When the new iOS update is released, millions of iPhone users will rush to update their iPhones as soon as possible. This overloads the Apple servers, leading to increased response time. This might be the reason your iPhone or iPad stuck on preparing the iOS 18 beta update.

Besides, poor internet connection speed can also affect the preparation of the update process. The updating process requires downloading the files. If the internet’s downloading is slow, it’ll take longer to proceed.

Part 3: How to Fix iOS 18 Beta Stuck on Preparing on iPhone/iPad | 7 Fixes

If you cannot update your iPhone/iPad due to the “iOS 18 beta stuck on preparing update” issue, follow the top 7 fixes that can help you resolve it efficiently.

Fix 1: Check Network Connection

Ensure that your device is connected to a stable internet connection to download and install the iOS 18 beta update. If you’re using the Wi-Fi network, consider switching to cellular data and trying again. Also, avoid using the VPN version during the installation process, as it can slow the process.

If you’re facing internet issues, consider restarting the Wi-Fi internet router and see if it’s fixed. If the issue isn’t from the router, reset the network settings by navigating to Settings >> General >> Transfer & Reset >> Reset Network.

check network connection

Fix 2: Check Storage Space

Generally, iOS bigger updates take 2GB to 2.5GB of storage space. Before you attempt to update your iPhone to the iOS 18 beta, make sure there’s enough storage space available on the device so the update’s files can get saved easily. Otherwise, you’ll face “iPhone stuck on preparing update ios 18 beta ” or update stuck midway problem.

You can check your iPhone's storage space by navigating to Settings >> General >> iPhone Storage. If there isn’t enough space, delete unnecessary apps, photos, and videos to free up space.

offload apps on iPhone

Fix 3: Fully Charge Your Device

A low battery can also cause the update process to fail or get stuck on preparing the update screen. The CPU requires a full output from the battery to process the iOS update. Insufficient battery can badly affect the update process, leading to the “iOS 18 beta stuck on preparing update ” issue.

Before you attempt to update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 18 beta, make sure the device is fully charged.

Fix 4: Force Restart iPhone/iPad

If your device gets stuck on the preparing update screen, force restarting your iPhone/iPad can help fix it. Force restarting refreshes the OS by clearing the cache's memory, and configuring the settings on the device also helps fix the temporary glitches.

Following are the steps to force restart an iPhone/iPad:

  • 1.Press and release the Volume Down button.
  • 2.Press and release the Volume Up button.
  • 3.Press and hold down the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • 4.Wait for the device to boot normally.
  • force restart iphone

Fix 5: Delete the Update File and Try Again

The iPhone's preparing update screen can get stuck due to the corruption of the previous update file. This can interfere with the newer installation file, leading to the “iphone stuck on preparing to update ios 18 beta”. Consider deleting the update file and then installing the iOS 18 beta:

  • 1.Go to the Settings >> General >> iPhone Storage.
  • 2.Locate the iOS 17 file in the list and tap on it.
  • 3.Tap on the Delete option to delete the file, then initiate the iOS 18 beta update process again.
  • how to remove ios 17 beta

Fix 6: Update iOS 18 Beta without iTunes [One-Click & No Stuck]

If you’re not able to update your iPhone/iPad to the iOS 18 beta with the conventional methods, you can use the Tenorshare ReiBoot. It lets you upgrade and downgrade your iPhone with a one-click operation. Here’s how to install iOS 18 beta update using Tenorshare ReiBoot:

  • Launch the Tenorshare Reiboot after installing it on your computer. Click on the iOS Upgrade/Downgrade option.
  • launch reiboot
  • Connect your iPhone to the computer using a compatible cable, then select the Upgrade option.
  •  advanced mode
  • You can download the iOS 18 beta update file by clicking on the Download button. If you’ve already downloaded it, you can browse it.
  • download firmware
  • Once the firmware package is downloaded, click on the Initiate Upgrade button.
  • start upgrade
  • It will start the installation process on your iPhone or iPad, which will take a few minutes to complete. Don’t interrupt until your iPhone restarts automatically.
  • upgrade completed

Fix 7: Update iOS 18 Beta with iTunes

Besides updating your iPhone/iPad to iOS 18 through OTA updates, you can also update it via iTunes. If your iPhone is getting stuck on preparing an update screen frequently, consider updating using iTunes. Here’s how to update iPhone/iPad to iOS 18 beta via iTunes:

  • 1.Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer and launch it.
  • 2.Connect your iOS device to the computer using a compatible cable.
  • 3.Click on the Summary option in the left sidebar.
  • upgrade completed
  • 4.Click on the tiny iPhone icon, then click on Check for Update.
  • 5.If the newer versions are available, click on the Install Update button.

Part 4: How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update in iOS 18 Beta [Safe & Quick]

If none of the above solutions fixed the “iPad stuck on preparing update iOS 18 beta” issue, there might be some stubborn bugs or glitches on the device interfering with the newer iOS 18 beta update. An easy and efficient way to eliminate it is using Tenorshare ReiBoot.

Tenorshare ReiBoot is a powerful design for iPhone and iPad to fix the iOS related issues such as the iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, the iPhone's black screen, and “iPad stuck on preparing iOS 18 beta”. Here’s how to fix “iphone stuck on preparing update ios 18 beta”:

  • Launch the Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer and click Start Repair. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer using a compatible cable.
  • launch-reiboot
  • Choose the Standard Repair, then click on the Standard Repair button.
  • standard repair
  • You need to download the firmware file required for the repair process now. Click the Download button to initiate it.
  • download firm ware package
  • Once the firmware package is downloaded, you can start the repair process. To initiate it, click on Start Standard Repair process.
  •  start standard repair
  • Wait for the progress bar to get complete, and don’t interrupt it. Once the process is completed, your iPhone/iPad will restart automatically.
  •  repair successfully

Conclusion

Updating your iPhone or iPad to the iOS 18 beta can be exciting and fun, as it’s loaded with new features and improvements. However, it can also get frustrating when encountering issues like “iPhone stuck on preparing update iOS 18 beta.”

In this guide, we discussed “how long does preparing an update take for iOS 18 beta” and how to fix “iPad stuck on preparing update for iOS 18 beta.” An efficient way to install the newer updates and fix iOS-related issues on iPhone/iPad is to use the Tenorshare ReiBoot. This tool offers a one-click process to fix all of the underlying issues on the device.