Several times of the year have changed, and it’s time for the next update of iOS.
And, predictably, great users of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch want to get a new operating system on their device.
Traditionally, the time of release of the new OS has not changed, Apple released iOS 8 around 10 am on Wednesday on Pacific time.
Limited way back
Despite the fact that most users do not update the smartphone’s operating system for the first time, it’s important to know from the very beginning: after iOS upgrade to version 8 there is very little chance that you will be able to return to the previous version.
Apple ceases to «sign» the old versions of iOS a few days after the release of new ones.
This short time is given to the user to go back. But, as soon as the window of time closes, there is no turning back.
For many, the jump from iOS 6 to iOS 7 was too sharp, because in iOS 7 the user got a completely new experience.
As for design, iOS 8 is more sophisticated than the 7th version. So, if you feel comfortable with how iOS 7 looks and works, you should easily cope with the iOS 8 interface.
A New Look
Many believe that this is a completely new version, there may be glitches.
For example, some third-party applications may not yet be fully compatible with iOS 8. For this reason, you may want to postpone the update.
See how the new version works for friends and acquaintances. Watch the smartphones of your colleagues who decided to take this step.
When a new update comes out and you do not hear any complaints, only this will be the right time to update.
Compatible devices
Users often wait for updates. But before downloading the necessary files, make sure that the latest version of the operating system will work on your device.
Apple claims that the following smartphones are compatible with iOS 8: iPhone: iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPod touch all generations, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina display.
And this means that iOS 8 is compatible with most iOS devices made in the last few years.
Released earlier iOS devices are not compatible with iOS 8. Some of the oldest devices that are compatible with earlier versions of software, such as the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S, may not support all the features of iOS 8.
Preparing the device for updating
Before proceeding with the update, you need to take a few simple steps.
The first is to back up the data on it.
You can do this in any of two ways: either by connecting your iOS device to the computer and selecting the backup in iTunes. Or using the backup function in iCloud.
In this case, it is recommended that you select the first option. If you need to restore your data and applications, with iTunes it’s much faster than iCloud.
Backup via computer
Launch iTunes on your Mac and, if sync is not turned on via the Internet, connect the sync cable to sync your device and iOS device.
Select your device in iTunes, select the «Summary» tab, and in the displayed backup window, click «Create backup».
If there are applications on your device that are not in your iTunes library, a window will appear asking if you want to start backup. The choice is yours, as you can always re-download any applications from the iTunes store.
ITunes now starts backing up any applications on the device that are not in your iTunes library, as well as other data on your device.
Backup to iCloud
You can select the option to back up data to iCloud directly from your iOS device.
This can be initiated in two ways. The first is to access the overview tab in iTunes. There, in the backup area, enable the iCloud option.
Another is to select a backup in iCloud on the device itself.
This can be done by going to Settings> iCloud> «storage and copies», and enable the iCloud backup option in the displayed screen. A warning will appear that your data will be stored in the cloud. Click OK.
Start updating
Just like you created a backup of your device via iTunes or directly from iCloud, you can update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch through a connection to iTunes or via iCloud.
The latter is easier, since you can do this in any Wi-Fi network. You do not have to look for a cable to get to the computer.
Installation by air
When a new iOS update becomes available, your iPhone, iPad or iPod will tell you about it.
Similarly, the application itself searches for information about updates. When it finds out about such updates, a small red icon appears in the settings section of the main screen.
To install the update, go to Settings> General> Software Update.
On the screen that appears, you will see information that iOS 8 is available. Click Install to start the download and install the update.
If you do not see the red icon on the application settings, but you know that iOS 8 has been released, it is worthwhile in any case to be guided by the availability of software updates.
When you get there, your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch will send a request to the update server to see if the new version has been released. If so, the device will prompt you to upgrade.
Installation from a computer
If you prefer to install an update from your computer, you can install iOS 8 via iTunes.
First, launch iTunes. If you do not use the Wi-Fi synchronization module, you need a sync cable between your computer and your iOS device.
iTunes should inform you that a new version of iOS is available for your device.
Next, the program will offer to install it on the device. If you see this notification, agree with the installation. The rest of the program will do for you.
