iOS 8, Apple's highly anticipated next-generation mobile operating system will finally arrive on Sept. 17.
Days after Apple announced the record-breaking preorder sales of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the Cupertino-based company will finally be launching the revamped iOS 8, which is packed full of new features for Apple mobile devices.
The iOS 8 will be available to download from Sept. 17, but Apple has not revealed the time when the download will go live. This is because the company does not want millions to log on at once and crash its servers.
However, according to past OS release dates, Apple is expected to make the download live at 10 a.m. PT (1p.m. ET).
Last year, many will remember that an error message showed up when trying to download the iOS 7. This error message was showing due to millions of users trying to download the new OS all at once from the company's servers.
Likewise, millions are expected to log on simultaneously to download and install the latest operating system on Sept. 17, so an error message can be expected.
There are two ways to install the free iOS 8 on your iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 3 and fifth-generation iPod Touch. The new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will come pre-installed with the latest mobile OS when it arrives this week.
iPhone and iPad owners are advised to fully back-up the contents of their device with iCloud following these directions: Settings > iCloud > Backup & Storage > Back Up Now.
Another option is to back-up via iTunes by connecting your device to your computer, clicking on your device and selecting Back Up Now.
Installation Over-The-Air
The iOS 8 can be downloaded over-the-air wirelessly. Before downloading and installing, be sure to plug in your device to a power source.
Follow these steps to download the iOS 8: Settings > General > Software Update. Once Apple has the update available, users should be able to see 'iOS 8', which they can then click on to download. Users are warned to expect long downloading times today, as it is the public launch date of the new OS and millions of users will be logging onto Apple servers to download the new software, which could be as large as 1GB.
When the software completes downloading, users can begin following the installation directions that will pop up on your device.
Installation via iTunes
If you prefer to connect your device to your iMac or Macbook to install the new software, you can do so via iTunes.
First, be sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. Then, connect your device to your computer via a USB cable, which will prompt iTunes to load up. Then, click on your device which will be shown on the upper-right side of the iTunes page. Then click 'Check for Updates'. When the iOS 8 is available for download, you will see the option to download the software. Once you select the option to Download and Update, the new system will be installed on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
Meanwhile, Apple has launched a page on its website listing all the new features of the new iOS 8. The website states: "iOS 8 is the biggest iOS release ever — for developers and everyone else. But that wasn't the goal. We simply set out to create the most natural, most useful experience — one that is pleasantly surprising at first and becomes utterly indispensable before you know it."
