Apple iOS 12: How to update your iPhone, iPad or iPod

Apple launched three new iPhone models including iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR alongside updated Apple Watch Series 4 at the event. As expected, the new iPhones and Apple Watch models are more expensive than their predecessors. However, Apple did announce a product, which will be technically free: iOS 12.

Apple iOS 12, the next version of Apple’s mobile operating system, will be available for download tonight for the general public. The Cupertino-based company had first revealed iOS 12 at its annual developer conference, WWDC 2018 in May and the update should start rolling out to all compatible iPhones, iPad and iPod starting 10.30PM in India. The new version of iOS promises to make even your old iPhone faster and more secure. Apple is focusing on performance enhancements this time around instead of adding new features to the operating system. So, if you have an iPhone or iPod or iPad then here is how you can prepare your device for Apple iOS 12:

Step 1: Check if your device is compatible

The first and major step with any software upgrade is to see where your existing device is compatible with the newest version of the operating system. The good news here is that every device that can run iOS 11 will be capable of running iOS 12. Apple is promising support for devices going back to iPhone 6 and is promising smoother operation.

The list of compatible iPhone models include iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone Xr, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE and iPhone 5s. The update is also compatible with the first and second generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 5th and 6th generation iPad, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 2 and the sixth generation iPod touch.

Step 2: Back up your iPhone

Before getting the iOS 12 update on your iPhone, it is recommended that you backup your device either using iTunes or iCloud. In order to update your smartphone, you will also need some free space and the update weighs around 2.77GB in download size.

Step 3: How to Update

Method 1: Over-the-air update

Once you are backing up your iPhone, the easiest way to upgrade to the newest version of Apple’s mobile operating system is to get the update right on your device. This process does not require a computer or active connection with iTunes software on your PC. Simply put your device on charging and go to Settings >> General > Software Update. iOS will automatically check for an update and if iOS 12 is available then a prompt will allow you to download and install the update.

Method 2: Update via iTunes

In case, you don’t feel comfortable getting the latest version of iOS directly from Apple, another method would be to download the update via iTunes. Those who update thier iPhone via iTunes have observed it to be faster than over the air method.

Before proceeding with the update, make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes on Mac or Windows PC. With updated iTunes, connect your iOS device and click the iPhone or iPad or iPod icon in the top-left corner of iTunes. After that click on Check for Update >> Download and Update. After you accept the terms, iTunes should begin the process of downloading and installing iOS 12 on your device.