Finder prevents iPhone/iPad update via Mac

Question

Finder prevents iPhone/iPad update via Mac

Why I can't update or upgrade my iPhones or iPad Pro M4 with my Mac via the finder? When connected to one of my Macs, the finder says iOS 18.7.2 is the current version. I have tried with the following Mac: Mac mini M4 with macOS 26.2 or MacBook Pro 2016 with macOS Monterey 12.7.6.

My iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone XS are under iOS 18.7.2 and my iPad Pro M4 under iPadOS 18.7.2

I had to update them OTA, and now once connected to my Mac, I don't receive a proposal for iOS/iPadOS 26.2.

Does it means that only OTA is available now even if Apple website explain how to update/upgrade with a Mac and the finder.

Does anyone have a solution to do it again with a Mac? Thanks.

Phil

iPad Pro (M4, 2024)

Posted on Dec 14, 2025 6:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

dialabrain

Level 10

135,761 points

Dec 14, 2025 6:21 AM in response to Phil Andaluna

According to this page: Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support, it states, "If the update doesn't appear on your device, you can use your computer to update your device.", which seems to imply if it does, you can't. You can always try the Get Suggestions link. Personally, I've always updated my iPhone and iPads OTA.

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Answer 2

Dec 14, 2025 6:56 AM in response to dialabrain

Hi Dialabrain,

Thanks for your quick answer. This is my problem, the update doesn't appear on my computer (Mac mini M4). Of course I can do it OTA, but for iOS 26.2 & iPadOS 26.2 I would prefer to do it via the finder of macOS. Connexion more stable and no problem of storage on my devices.

Thanks anyway

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Answer 3

Dec 14, 2025 9:32 AM in response to dialabrain

Hi Dialabrain,

Ok. Maybe you are right. As it was possible before iOS 18.7 and iPadOS 18.7, I have open a ticket with Apple. It has been escalated to the software engineers and I should get an answer next Friday. I’ll keep you posted here as it might interest other users.

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Answer 4

Dec 14, 2025 9:45 AM in response to Phil Andaluna

Phil Andaluna wrote:

Hi Dialabrain,

Ok. Maybe you are right. As it was possible before iOS 18.7 and iPadOS 18.7, I have open a ticket with Apple. It has been escalated to the software engineers and I should get an answer next Friday. I’ll keep you posted here as it might interest other users.

see if there is anything here, ref mrchntmarine:

Why cant I update iPhone 15 pro as usual … - Apple Community

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Answer 5

dialabrain

Level 10

135,761 points

Dec 14, 2025 7:00 AM in response to Phil Andaluna

You're welcome but, I think the sentence above means if the update appears on your iPhone or iPad, you can't use your Mac. I could be wrong. Someone will correct me if so.

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Answer 6

dialabrain

Level 10

135,761 points

Dec 14, 2025 9:37 AM in response to Phil Andaluna

It would interest me as well. Since I always update OTA I'm not certain what the answer is. 🤔

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