# How to delay OS update on iOS devices

In a mission-critical enterprise environment, an immediate OS update can be as disruptive as it is beneficial. The **Force Delayed Software Updates** feature in Hexnode UEM provides IT administrators with a strategic buffer, allowing them to gatekeeper new iOS releases.

By implementing a delay, organizations can ensure that every new version of iOS undergoes rigorous compatibility testing with internal apps and infrastructure before reaching the end-user. This prevents “Day 0” bugs from impacting productivity and allows for a controlled, phased rollout that preserves network bandwidth.

1. Why delay iOS Updates?
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- **Compatibility Testing:** Provides additional time to test corporate applications for bugs or issues with the latest OS version.
- **Bandwidth Management:** Prevents a simultaneous network surge caused by all devices downloading large update files at once.
- **Stability:** Ensures that only stable, vetted versions are deployed across the enterprise fleet.

2. Configuration Workflow
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This feature is supported only on [Supervised](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/ios-supervised-mode/) iOS devices running **iOS 11.3 or later**.

[![Delay OS update on iOS devices using Hexnode MDM](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Force-delay-iOS-software-updates-on-Apple-devices-using-Hexnode.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Force-delay-iOS-software-updates-on-Apple-devices-using-Hexnode.png)

To delay iOS updates:

1. Log in to the **Hexnode UEM portal**.
2. Navigate to **Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy > iOS > Security > OS Updates** and click **Configure**.
3. Check the option **Force delayed software updates**.
4. Enter the **number of days** for the delay (up to 90 days). The default delay is **30 days**.
5. Go to **Policy Targets** tab and select the **Devices/Device Groups/User/User Groups or Domains/OUs** to which the policy is to be attached.
6. Click on **Save** option.

3. Technical Behavior & Visibility Rules
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### Software Update Visibility

If this restriction is attached to a device, the software update will not be available to the user for install until the specified number of days after the software update release date.

**Example Scenario (90-Day Delay):**
Suppose a 90-day delay period is set for an Apple device running iOS 11.3.1 and two OS versions are released within the specified period (90 days).

- **Release 1:** iOS 11.4 is released on April 1.
- **Release 2:** iOS 11.4.1 is released on May 2.

**Visibility Result:** The user will be able to install or see the first update only on **June 30** and the second one on **July 31** (exactly 90 days after each specific OS release date).

### Administrative Overrides

This restriction only delays the updates for the specified number of days, preventing the user from receiving the updates on the device. However, the [Update OS](https://hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enforce-ios-updates-using-hexnode-mdm/#enforce-ios-software-updates) action can still be used to download and/or install updates on the devices remotely even during this period.

4. Summary Table: Delay vs. Action
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**Feature****Behavior under Delay Policy****User Visibility**Updates are hidden in Settings > General > Software Update until the delay expires.**User Installation**Users cannot manually initiate the update during the delay window.**Remote Admin Action**Allowed. The administrator can trigger an **Update OS** action via the Hexnode console to override the delay.**Maximum Delay**The maximum allowable delay is **90 days**.5. Troubleshooting & FAQs
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### FAQs

1. **Can the delay be longer than 90 days?**
    No. Apple restricts the maximum MDM-enforced delay to 90 days to ensure devices eventually receive critical security patches.
2. **Does this affect app updates?**
    No. This policy specifically manages the **Operating System (iOS)** updates. App updates are managed separately through the **App Management** section.
3. **What happens if the policy is removed?**
    The restriction is immediately lifted, and the device will check for and display the latest available update.

### Troubleshooting

- **Update visible despite policy:** Verify that the device is **Supervised**. Unsupervised devices will ignore the “Force delayed software updates” command.
- **Manual override:** On supervised devices, this policy locks the software update settings, preventing the user from bypassing the restriction.