How to Update Apps on iPhone 5c

Still using an iPhone 5c and wondering why your apps aren’t updating anymore? You’re not alone. Although the iPhone 5c was released in 2013, many users still rely on it for everyday tasks — from calls and messages to browsing and social media.

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However, as the iPhone 5c runs on iOS 10.3.3 (the latest version it supports), updating apps can sometimes be tricky. Some newer apps may not be compatible, but there are still several ways to update your apps and keep your phone running smoothly.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to update apps on iPhone 5c, including what to do if updates don’t work, alternative methods, and smart tips to keep your favorite apps running even on older software.

1. Why Updating Apps on iPhone 5c Matters

Updating your apps ensures they:

Work properly with your iPhone’s system software.
Get the latest bug fixes and security patches.
Offer new features and performance improvements.

If you stop updating, you might face app crashes, missing features, or security vulnerabilities — especially in apps that handle sensitive data like banking or social media.

2. Can You Still Update Apps on iPhone 5c in 2025?

Yes — but with limitations.

The iPhone 5c supports up to iOS 10.3.3, which is quite old compared to today’s iOS 18 devices. Many modern apps now require iOS 12 or higher, so the latest versions might not be available for your device.

Still, the App Store often offers older compatible versions of apps for older iPhones, allowing you to continue using them (though without the newest features).

3. Understanding iPhone 5c’s iOS Limitation

Before we dive into app updates, it’s important to understand that:

The iPhone 5c cannot update beyond iOS 10.3.3.
Apple stopped providing software updates for the iPhone 5c years ago.
Apps that require iOS 11 or newer might not install or update automatically.

That said, you can still update or reinstall many popular apps — like WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram — as long as older versions are still available in the App Store.

4. How to Update Apps on iPhone 5c (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the simplest way to update your apps on an iPhone 5c:

Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi

Updates can be large, so make sure your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Open the App Store

Tap the App Store icon on your Home screen.

Step 3: Go to the “Updates” Tab

At the bottom of the screen, tap the Updates icon.
You’ll see a list of apps with available updates.

Step 4: Tap “Update” or “Update All”

Tap Update next to individual apps, or
Tap Update All to refresh all your apps at once.

Enter your Apple ID password if prompted.

✅ Done! Your apps will begin downloading the latest available versions for iOS 10.3.3.

5. How to Turn On Automatic App Updates

If you’d rather let your iPhone handle updates automatically:

Open Settings.
Scroll down and tap iTunes & App Store.
Under “Automatic Downloads,” toggle Updates to ON (green).

Now, whenever your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and charging, it’ll automatically install app updates.

6. How to Manually Update Apps via App Store

If automatic updates don’t work, you can still do it manually:

Open the App Store.
Tap your profile icon (top right corner).
Scroll down to view Pending Updates.
Tap Update next to each app you want to refresh.

This works best if your Apple ID is signed in and your iPhone has enough storage.

7. How to Update Apps Using iTunes on a Computer

If some apps can’t be updated directly on your iPhone 5c, you can try updating them via a computer using iTunes.

Note: You’ll need an older version of iTunes (12.6.5.3 or earlier) that still supports app management.

Steps:

On your Mac or PC, install iTunes 12.6.5.3 (Apple still provides this version for business users).
Open iTunes and sign in with the same Apple ID used on your iPhone.
Go to the App Store in iTunes and update or download apps.
Connect your iPhone 5c via USB.
Sync the apps to your device.

This method allows you to install compatible versions even if your iPhone can’t download them directly.

8. What to Do If You Can’t Update an App

If an app refuses to update, here’s why — and what to do:

Problem	Possible Fix
App requires newer iOS	Try downloading an older version (see below).
Not enough storage	Delete unused apps, photos, or videos.
App no longer supported	Use the web version in Safari (e.g., Facebook, Gmail).
App Store bug	Sign out and sign back into your Apple ID.

9. How to Download an Older Version of an App

When you try downloading an app that needs newer iOS, you might see this message:

“This app requires iOS 11.0 or later.”

If you’ve previously downloaded that app before, Apple often gives the option to install an older compatible version.

Try this:

Open the App Store.
Tap your profile photo → Purchased → My Purchases.
Find the app and tap Download.
If a compatible version exists, you’ll see this message:
“Would you like to download the last compatible version?”
Tap Download.

Your iPhone 5c will now install the older version that works with iOS 10.3.3.

10. Updating Preinstalled Apps Like Safari, Mail, and Messages

System apps like Safari, Mail, and Messages can’t be updated through the App Store.
They’re only updated when iOS itself is updated.

Since the iPhone 5c can’t go beyond iOS 10.3.3, these apps will stay at their current versions.

To improve performance:

Keep your cache clear (Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data).
Restart your phone regularly.
Avoid opening too many tabs or heavy attachments.

11. Fixing Common App Update Problems

If updates won’t install, try these quick fixes:

🔄 Restart your iPhone.
🚫 Sign out and back into the App Store.
🧹 Clear App Store cache:
Open App Store → Tap any bottom tab 10 times quickly to refresh.
💾 Free up space:
Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Delete unused apps.
🌐 Check Wi-Fi:
Updates won’t download on poor connections.

12. Freeing Up Storage Before Updating Apps

Running out of space can block updates. To clear storage:

Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
Review which apps use the most space.
Delete apps or media you don’t need.
Offload unused apps (keeps app data safe).

Freeing at least 500 MB helps updates install more reliably.

13. How to Reinstall Apps That Won’t Update

If an app repeatedly fails to update, uninstalling and reinstalling often helps.

Tap and hold the app icon.
Tap Remove App → Delete App.
Go to the App Store and reinstall it.

If it’s no longer supported, Apple will prompt you to install an older version compatible with your iPhone.

14. Keeping Apps Secure on an Older iPhone

Older iPhones don’t get the latest security patches, but you can still stay safe:

✅ Download apps only from the official App Store.
🔒 Avoid entering sensitive info in outdated apps.
🔄 Keep apps updated to their latest possible versions.
🧼 Delete apps that no longer receive updates.
🕵️ Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

15. How to Find Compatible Versions of New Apps

Some developers still support older iPhones by maintaining older app versions.

Here’s how to find them:

Search online for “App name iOS 10 version.”
Visit the developer’s website for archived versions.
Use a computer with older iTunes (as mentioned earlier) to install legacy versions.

Apps like Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify often still provide iOS 10-compatible releases.

16. Pros and Cons of Using an Older iPhone in 2025

Pros	Cons
Still functional for calls, texts, and light apps	Limited app compatibility
Good for kids or as a backup phone	No iOS or security updates
Lightweight and nostalgic design	Slower performance
Works with many older accessories	Some apps won’t open at all

If you mainly use your phone for basic tasks, the iPhone 5c can still serve you well.

17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still update apps on iPhone 5c in 2025?

Yes, you can — but only to the latest version supported by iOS 10.3.3. Some newer apps won’t be compatible.

2. Why can’t I update certain apps?

Because the app’s latest version requires a newer iOS version than your iPhone supports.

3. Can I install older versions of apps?

Yes. If you downloaded the app before, the App Store may offer to install an older compatible version.

4. Will Apple ever update iPhone 5c again?

No. The iPhone 5c is discontinued, and iOS updates stopped at version 10.3.3.

5. Is it safe to use iPhone 5c today?

It’s safe for basic use, but avoid using outdated apps for banking or private data.

18. Key Takeaways

The iPhone 5c supports up to iOS 10.3.3, limiting app compatibility.
You can still update apps manually or automatically through the App Store.
Use iTunes (v12.6.5.3) to install older app versions from a computer.
Free up space before updating for smoother downloads.
For security, stick to trusted apps and update whenever possible.

19. Conclusion

Even though the iPhone 5c is nearly a decade old, it’s far from useless. With the right steps, you can still update apps, install older versions, and keep your favorite apps running smoothly.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to update apps on iPhone 5c, troubleshoot update issues, and keep your device secure — all while making the most of Apple’s older technology.

So, connect to Wi-Fi, open the App Store, and give your iPhone 5c the refresh it deserves. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping even classic tech useful. 📱💪