Apps aren’t automatically updating across devices

[Viridian5]

I’m not sure my automatic updates ever work for apps. If I go manually refresh the updates page in the App Store 20-30 updates suddenly show up from the last few days. Is this a known issue? It happens across devices too and started before iOS 26.

 

[doogm]

[edit - I misread the post. Disregard.]

It's a known issue with iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4.

See https://tidbits.com/2026/04/06/ios-26-4-cloudkit-bug-disrupts-icloud-sync-fix-coming/ and, in a developer forum set of postings, https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/820550

It's supposedly fixed in the 26.5 beta, but there were also reports that 26.4.1 has been seen downloading websites like MacRumors, so hopefully that will come sooner with a fix.

 

[addamas]

Well it’s a problem since like iOS 7 for sure. Always delayed by few days or even week auto updates.

 

[HouseLannister]

Same. I update once every morning because I don't want to wait 2 weeks for the phone to do it.

 

[Viridian5]

It just seems so strange that I can control the fetching for mail, calendar, etc but not for this, even though this is technically related to security. Anyways thanks for the replies all

 

[Banglazed]

It’s probably due to phased release

Release a version update in phases - Update your app - App Store Connect - Help - Apple Developer

developer.apple.com

 

[NoBoMac]

^this.

Other reasons (eg. On charger or not in my case) covered here in the past:

Auto Update Apps

Every iPhone I’ve ever had, my apps do not auto update … despite my App Store Settings being set correctly. Have never understood this. Anyone else?

forums.macrumors.com

Bottom line, been like this for ages.