How to Download iOS 8

Apple on Wednesday rolled out the latest software for the iPhone and iPad, the iOS 8. Users can get their hands on a collection of new features even if they’re not planning to buy a new device anytime soon.

To get iOS 8 now, visit Settings > General > Software Update on your Apple mobile device. Apple may not roll out the update to all users at once, so if you don’t see it available yet, keep checking back every few minutes.

iOS 8 is compatible on devices as far back as the iPhone 4S, the iPad 2 and the fifth-generation iPod Touch.

Before you download: Back up your data via iCloud, just in case there are other glitches that surface during the process.

You’ll need decent storage available to complete the download, too; you may have to either transfer files like your photos via an Apple connector to a computer, or delete a few apps you haven’t used in a while to make room.

Depending on which model you have — and the last time you updated the iOS — how much space you’ll need in order to download the software will vary. In some cases, iOS 8 has been taking up 5.7 GB of space to complete.

If you don’t want to delete anything off of your device, consider this tip: Sync your iPhone or iPad to the computer and download iOS 8 directly from there. This won’t suck up any space on your device, and you can manually transfer the new software back to your device. Updating via your PC or Mac is more reliable way to upgrade, versus OTA (over-the-air), which is performed directly on the device.

New features of iOS 8 include a smarter Siri, a dedicated Health app, a battery usage indicator that tells you when to close certain apps, time-lapse capture for video and interactive notifications. Plus, you’ll see new widgets, a family sharing Apple ID plan, an upgrade to iMessage and an improved keyboard.

For a full look at what to expect and how to make the most of the features, click here.

Source: mashable.com