Is This Upgrade For You?
If you have any of these Apple devices, then yes:
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 4
- iPad
- iPad 2
- iPod Touch 3rd and 4th Generation
You can get this great new feature-packed iOS 5 upgrade (which is free by the way).
What Is the Release Date for iOS 5?
Update: iOS 5 is available NOW.
Old: The prevailing wisdom is that iOS 5 will be released about the same time as the new iPhone 4S begins shipping, on or about October 14, 2011.
OK, What Should I Do?
First, run iTunes and check for any updates to make sure you have the latest version, the soon to be released 10.5. This step is often overlooked, but backups and updates tend to run more smoothly when iTunes is current. In this case, certain features, like iCloud integration, will require an iTunes update as well.
To update iTunes on a PC, go to the menu bar and click on Help > Check for Updates.
To update iTunes on a Mac, go to the menu bar and click on iTunes > Check for Updates.
Once iTunes is up to date, connect your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, etc.), wait for iTunes to detect it and then:
- Back up your device
- under Devices, you should see your iPad or whatever listed. Right-click on your iPad and select “Back Up”
- Transfer any purchases
- again under Devices, right-click on your device and this time select “Transfer Purchases from . . . “
- Check for updates, or just Update Now
- click on the “Check for Update” button. If a new version has already been detected, the button will say “Update.” Click it. Go ahead; don’t be shy.
- Wait
- the update may try to run another backup. Just stay connected, follow all the prompts and wait for iTunes to tell you that your device has been updated and is now restarting. . Go ahead and follow the prompts. , but it is still a good to have a back up you didn’t capture during the upgrade so don’t skip that step.
That’s it.
If all goes well, as expected, this should be the last time you have to tether your device to a PC or Mac to update the iOS. Computer-free software updates are just one of the many new features of the new iOS 5. Check it out.
And a heartfelt thank you to that great innovator, Steve Jobs. Those of us who appreciate great technology can’t help but admire his unique contribution to both computing and filmmaking. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends and all the folks at Apple for his recent loss.
Leave a Reply