How to automatically download iOS purchases or app updates

A handy feature in iOS is the ability to automatically download updates to your applications or to download any new items that you’ve purchased to your iOS devices. Let’s say that you purchased a new iOS app from iTunes on your Mac. With this feature activated, your iPad or iPhone will automatically download the app without any intervention from you.

From the Settings app, you can choose which types of items you want to download automatically. The options are: Music, Apps, Books and Updates. I personally keep the Updates option turned off. There have been instances in the past where there have been problems with an app update, resulting in crashes or other unwelcome behavior. I prefer to read the reviews first and then manually approve any app updates to ensure that there are no issues – or that no essential features have been removed. Again, this is a personal preference.

Another setting that you may want to be aware of is the Use Cellular Data option. When this is toggled on, apps and updates will be downloaded using your carrier’s data plan if you are not connected to a wi-fi network. Depending on the frequecy and size of the downloads, this could quickly eat up monthly data allowance.

Quick Guide: Automatically Download iOS Updates and Purchases

Tap the Settings app on your iOS device.
Tap iTunes & App Store.
Scroll down until Automatic Downloads is visible.
To enable content for automatic download, tap the slider to the “On” position for each content type (Music, Apps, Books and Updates).
To only download updates and purchases when connected to wi-fi, turn off the slider next to Use Cellular Data.