How to install iOS 8

Apple has introduced iOS 8, the latest version of its mobile operating system. Here's how to update your iPhone or iPad when it becomes available to the public 

As iOS 8 becomes available to download from today, here's a brief and handy guide on how to get started with Apple's latest operating system. 
Both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will ship with iOS 8 as standard, and will be available to buy from September 19.

1) Check if your device is compatible

Before you do anything else, check whether your device is actually eligible to install the new software. Apple usually limits system updates to its newer devices. The following devices (along with the preinstalled iPhone 6) have been named by the company as compatible with iOS 8: iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air and iPad Mini.

2) Make sure you have backed everything up before installing the upgrade

By far the most important thing to do before starting the installation is to backup everything on your iPhone/iPad. In the unlikely case of the upgrade failing, this means that you’ll be able to restore the device completely and start again without losing important data.

If you use iCloud for your backups, go to Settings, iCloud, Storage and Backup, then tap 'Back Up Now', or you can use iTunes to do so by plugging in your device, choosing it from the menu on iTunes, and selecting ‘Back Up Now’. A backup will then be saved onto your computer’s hard disk.

3) Create enough room to install the new software

For the new download to happen, you’ll need to have enough space on your device to accommodate all the upgrades. At least 1GB of free space will be required on your iPhone or iPad before you can get started.

Photos, videos and big apps tend to be the main culprits for memory hogging, but to see exactly what to get rid of, go to Usage under General in Settings. Here you’ll find a list of everything that uses space and how much, in size order.

4) Download and install the update

Once all that’s done, you’re now ready to install iOS 8. You should get a notification that the new operating system is available, at which point you can do so easily through the Software Update option in Settings. Make sure your device is connected to both Wi-Fi and a power supply, then simply tap Download and Install to do so.

If your device is passcode enabled, you’ll need to enter the passcode before installing the update. You’ll need to set aside some time for the update to complete - don't try to use apps, make calls or send texts while iOS 8 is installing.

If however you’d prefer to update using iTunes, you should install the latest version of iTunes on your computer, then connect your device and select your device from the menu. Under Summary, click Check for Update, then choose Download and Install, and it should be taken care of.

5) Confirm your iCloud details and start using your phone

When the update is complete, your device should restart automatically. Once it does, you may be asked to enter some iCloud details, and set security questions. After these have been filled out, your newly updated device should be ready to use.