Today is the big day! Apple has released iOS 8, so let’s do a quick run through of updating your iPhone 4S or higher, and iPad 2 or higher device. (iPod touch users: you’ll need a fifth-generation or higher device to make the trip.)
We can’t say this strongly enough, BACKUP YOUR DEVICE BEFORE UPDATING TO iOS 8! This will ensure you can restore your apps and settings, along with contacts and such, after updating to iOS 8. It’s also always nice to have a recent backup just in case anything goes wrong with your device down the road. Back it up via iCloud, or through iTunes, it’s your choice.
You might also take this as an opportunity to reclaim space on your device by getting rid of apps you haven’t used in “since ever.” We’re not sure how much space you’ll need on your device to update to iOS 8, but rest assured, a couple hundred megabytes ain’t gonna cut it.
Right out of the gate, let’s address those hardy souls who have jailbroken their iOS devices. It’s simple, if you want to keep your jailbreak in place, DON’T UPGRADE TO iOS 8! Wait around awhile, someone will likely jailbreak iOS 8, and then you can think about updating. It’s your call, weigh the new features of iOS against what you have on your jailbroken iOS 7 device, and then make the call.
The method many of you will likely use is the Over the Air method (OTA). OTA is fairly simple, as your device prompts you when the new version of iOS is available, and you just have to following the instructions to upgrade. You can also check for the upgrade by going to: “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update.”
If you’re more comfortable with the iTunes method, just hook your device up to your computer via your USB sync cable, and run iTunes. You’ll likely see a message prompting you to download the update.
Just click the “Download & Update” button, and iTunes will walk you through updating your device to iOS 8.
Simple no?
As always, Apple’s servers get hit pretty hard when a new iOS version is released. So, be patient and remember that this isn’t going to be a 10 minute process for most of us. You might even wait until you get home tonight, find a good book to read, and try the update then. Good luck, and have fun!
