What You Need to Know About Apple iOS8 Release
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Apple(NEW YORK) — Months after Apple first teased iOS 8, the software refresh is being released to iPhone and iPad users on Wednesday.
Apple’s iOS 8 is being hailed as the biggest operating system release ever because it comes with updates to popular apps, such as messages, photos and the keyboard.
While Apple’s new gadgets sucked up much of the attention last week, the company also revealed it would release the shiny new iOS update on Wednesday. The update was first unveiled at the Worldwide Developer’s Conference in June.
The operating system update will come on the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices, which will be released to the public on Friday. However, if you’re not planning on upgrading to a new iPhone just yet, here’s what you need to know about how to get iOS 8 on your iPad and current iPhone:
Eligible Devices
The iOS 8 is only compatible with the iPhone 4S and later models. It will also work on the iPad 2 and later models and the iPod Touch 5th generation.
How to Update
First, make sure you’ve recently completed a backup to iTunes or your iCloud. You’ll also want to make sure you have at least 1 GB free. In order to delete items you don’t need, go to settings and usage.
Once you’re satisfied that your information is secure and you have plenty of space, it’s time to get moving. Plug in your device and turn on WiFi. Next, go to settings and choose software update to begin the download.
Once it’s complete, restart your iPhone and you should be good to go with a brand new iOS.
What to Expect from iOS 8
Apple’s new Health app will “talk” to your other fitness apps and will serve as a one-stop shop for all of your health and fitness data, providing metrics on one screen.
The Family Sharing app will allow up to six people in a household to share each other’s iTunes, iBooks and App Store purchases. It will also allow families to keep up with each others’ photos, calendars and locations.
A “smart keyboard” that can suggest “contextually appropriate words” to complete your messages will be rolled out, along with the ability to seamlessly send video and audio iMessages, among other updates.
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