iOS 6 Users Expressing Discontent Over Automatic iOS 7 Over-the-Air Downloads - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iOS 6 Users Expressing Discontent Over Automatic iOS 7 Over-the-Air Downloads

by

ios_7_otaA week after the introduction of Apple’s new iOS 7 mobile operating system, users of iOS 6 across the internet are expressing discontent due to automatic downloads of the new software update, reports CNET.

Specifically, users who still have iOS 6 installed are experiencing self-starting over-the-air (OTA) downloads for iOS 7 to their devices when connected to AC power, averaging around 1 GB per download and occupying 3.1 GB of storage. While the update does not automatically install itself and requires user authentication, the download does not show up in the storage submenu within settings.

The issue is especially problematic for users with little space on their existing devices, as filled space can cause various problems with file management and device efficiency.

CNET confirmed the behavior on both an iPhone 4 as well as a fourth-generation iPad, both of which were running the latest version of iOS 6 before 7 arrived. For the iPad, the download began within minutes of turning on the device and plugging it into A/C power. When finished on both devices, it accounted for a little more than 3GB of space that was previously available on the device, and did not show up in the storage management settings submenu.

Last year, users reported similar behavior with the iOS 6 OTA update occurring for those on iOS 5. Earlier this week, Apple claimed that more than 200 million iOS devices are running iOS 7, making it the fastest software upgrade in history.

Related Forum: iOS 7

Top Rated Comments

163 months ago
When you're forced to give up 3GB+ of storage for an update you may not even want, that's unacceptable.
Score: 50 Votes (Like | Disagree)
163 months ago
Cry me a river. Update your damn phones. 7 is heaven.

How ignorant. If someone chooses not update, that's their business. Just remember what you said when you are forced to do something you don't want to do, such as when your parents forced you to eat your vegetables at dinner tonight.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
163 months ago
When you're forced to give up 3GB+ of storage for an update you may not even want, that's unacceptable.
But… that 3GB is just unpacking space for setup. You get it all back once installation is complete.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Treq Avatar
163 months ago
Not until there is a jailbreak so I can fix the horrible UI.
There are some nice improvements but the UI is just not one of them... Flat is not where it's at.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
163 months ago
But… that 3GB is just unpacking space for setup. You get it all back once installation is complete.

Except the people who are running into this problem are people who don't want to install it in the first place.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GSPice Avatar
163 months ago
Not until there is a jailbreak so I can fix the horrible UI.
There are some nice improvements but the UI is just not one of them... Flat is not where it's at.

Used to jailbreak. Not anymore. Meh.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...
apple tv 4k new orange

tvOS 26.4 Adds These New Features to Your Apple TV

Wednesday March 25, 2026 3:33 pm PDT by
Apple this week released tvOS 26.4, and the software update includes a handful of new features and changes for the Apple TV. tvOS 26.4 is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released since 2015. To update your Apple TV, open the Settings app on the device, navigate to System → Software Updates, and select Update Software. Below, we have recapped what is new in tvOS...