iOS Software Update Down, iOS 4.2 Imminent? - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iOS Software Update Down, iOS 4.2 Imminent?

124038 iphone update down

Several users have reported that Apple's iOS software updater within iTunes is currently down, leading to speculation that the company could be preparing to roll out iOS 4.2 in the very near future.

Users connecting their devices to iTunes and clicking the "Check for Update" button are currently being greeted with the following message:

The iPhone software update server could not be contacted.

Make sure your network settings are correct and your network connection is active, or try again later.

iOS 4.2 had been rumored for release last week, but a last-minute issue with Wi-Fi connectivity for iPad users reportedly results in Apple pushing back its internal release timeline and issuing a new golden master version for the iPad to developers. Rumors have pegged the new public release of iOS for sometime this week or early next week ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.

Update: The software updater is now functioning normally and alerting users running iOS 4.1 that their software is still up-to-date.

Update 2: The iOS software updater is operating sporadically at the moment, sometimes offering the error message and other times noting that the user's software is up-to-date.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Working on All-New Operating System

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:39 am PDT by
Apple is developing an all-new operating system that is essentially a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the operating system will feature a grid of icons, widgets, and apps, along with customizable clock faces. The new software platform is intended for Apple's long-rumored smart home hub. With built-in facial recognition,...
imac video apple feature

Apple Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever This Year

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:03 pm PDT by
Apple this year acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019. Q.ai...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Twelve Changes Coming to Apple's Next Flagship

Thursday July 30, 2026 3:43 am PDT by
We're less than two months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a dramatic change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year,...