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Cellular Over-the-Air App Download Limit Increased to 150 MB

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newappstorelogoFollowing the launch of iOS 11, Apple today announced that it has increased the cellular over-the-air app download limit from 100 MB to 150 MB, meaning users can now download apps and app updates that are as large as 150 MB over a cellular connection.

Apps and app updates over 150 MB will require users to connect to Wi-Fi for content to be downloaded.

It's been awhile since Apple last updated the cellular download limit. The last increase was introduced in 2013, increasing the 50 MB limit to 100 MB.

Apple has limits in place to avoid causing customers to unwittingly use high amounts of data when downloading apps, but the introduction of unlimited plans from all of the major carriers in the United States has likely alleviated some of those concerns.

Developers often aim to keep their app sizes under the cellular limit whenever possible to prevent customers from having to hassle with connecting to Wi-Fi to download an app or app update.

Top Rated Comments

119 months ago
I wish they would just lift this arbitrary restriction and let the end user decide whether or not to use cellular. I have an unlimited data plan - let me use it!
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chriscrowlee Avatar
119 months ago
There must be some serious back door deals between Apple and the carriers if they have a limit at all. Why not leave it up to the customer how they use their data?!?!?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
al256 Avatar
119 months ago
This sucks. The App Store no longer discloses the size of updates. I'd like to know the actual size before I update over cellular.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
John.B Avatar
119 months ago
It's.
My.
Bandwidth.

Let me use it how I see fit.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
119 months ago
People arent idiots, Apple. Not just that, but I have 20gb per month in the UK, so I have plenty of data.
You're a commenter on MacRumors meaning you're way more technical than Grandma at this stuff. Anyone participating in a technical discussion online isn't why these limits exist.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OldSchoolMacGuy Avatar
119 months ago
Since iOS 9 you've had the option to download apps over that size, you just have to accept the dialog that pops up warning you the apps are larger.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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