Skip to main content

Apple fixes iOS 10 update flaw that bricked people’s iPhones and iPads

best ios 10 widgets
Image used with permission by copyright holder
What iOS release doesn’t come with its fair share of problems? The new iOS 10 update doesn’t seem to break away from tradition — multiple users say downloading the over-the-air update “bricked” their iPhone and iPad devices. Apple has since confirmed to Digital Trends that the flaw is fixed and downloads should continue without a hitch.

However, we suggest holding off on updating your devices until others report successful downloads. If you’re one of the many people with a bricked device, meaning your phone or iPad won’t function, all you need to do is plug the device into a Mac or PC, open iTunes, and trigger a restore. The restore seems to be a hit or miss on getting devices to iOS 10 — some people say it works, while others say it only jumps to iOS 9.3.5.

You may find your device bricked if you’re stuck waiting on the iOS loading screen progress bar. Do a quick search of “#iOS10” on Twitter and you’ll find a plethora of people complaining about their devices getting bricked.

The issue seems to be that the over-the-air (OTA) update attempts to download iOS 10.0 and then iTunes updates to iOS 10.0.1, which causes a problem. Updating to iOS 10 from iTunes is the safer route at the moment. However, Apple has since acknowledged the issue and says it’s been fixed.

“We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability,” Apple told Digital Trends. “The problem was quickly resolved and we apologize to those customers. Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help.”

Assuming the fix works, the iOS 10 OTA update should be safe to download at this point in time. However, we strongly recommend that you back everything up before you attempt the update. It’s also advisable to err on the side of caution and update to iOS 10 via iTunes or to simply wait a day.

Editors' Recommendations

Julian Chokkattu
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Julian is the mobile and wearables editor at Digital Trends, covering smartphones, fitness trackers, smartwatches, and more…
Your iPhone just got a new iOS update, and you should download it right now
iPhone 15 Pro display with iPhone 15 Pro Max in background.

Apple has just released a new security update, iOS 17.4.1. This comes a little over two weeks after iOS 17.4, which was a big update. iOS 17.4.1 doesn't add any new features, but it's still an important update you'll want to download as soon as you can.

With iOS 17.4.1, Apple states that the update “provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.” Apple doesn’t mention any specifics of these bug fixes, but more details on what this security update addresses may be revealed at a later date.

Read more
The DOJ has sued Apple over the iPhone. Here’s what it means for you
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro seen from the back.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro (left) and iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If you're reading this article, chances are you have an iPhone. It's also quite likely that your friends and family members also use an iPhone. The iPhone is the smartphone of choice for millions of people in the U.S., and now, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing Apple over the iPhone monopoly it has established over the years.

Read more
UPS worker accused of nabbing $1.3M worth of iPhones and other Apple gear
A MacBook and iPhone in dark red light.

The desirability and high value of iPhones and other Apple devices make the gear a popular target for criminals looking to make a fast buck.

In the latest such case, a now former UPS employee is accused of stealing more than $1.3 million worth of Apple iPhones and laptops from the shipping company’s warehouse in Winnipeg, Canada, before selling them in an operation that continued for seven months, the Winnipeg Free Press reported this week.

Read more