Apple will begin producing larger versions of the iPhone next month, Bloomberg reports, suggesting new models will ship this fall with iOS 8. How should you prepare for your next iPhone and/or iOS 8 upgrade?
Compatibility
Check that your device is compatible with iOS 8, which will work with:
- iPhone 4S, 5, 5S, 5C
- iPad 2, Retina display, Air, mini, mini Retina
- iPod touch 5th gen.
- Older models aren't supported.
Take stock
Check the apps installed on your device and delete those you don't use. You may want to lose any apps that are no longer updated as developers who fail to do so are unlikely to improve them for the new iPhones. You should also delete any images or videos you don’t need. Make space.
Take note
When you apply a major OS version upgrade you sometimes find some settings are changed to default, so it makes sense to note which of your apps are enabled for privileged things like location services. Quickly review settings to ensure they don't change post-upgrade.
Back up
Before upgrading, you must backup your data. Apple offers two ways -- in the cloud using iCloud or on your computer using iTunes. Use both!!
Backup to iCloud:
- Visit Settings>iCloud>Storage & Backup
- Toggle iCloud Backup to green if it's off
- Tap Back Up Now.
To also back up to iTunes:
- Connect your device
- Open iTunes
- Click the Devices button in the upper right
- And in Backups click Back Up Now under Manually Back Up and Restore.
NB: iCloud Backup doesn't back up media you didn't purchase from iTunes. If you have several Gigabytes of photos or videos saved to your device you may not want to back these up to iCloud to save space. You can choose which things to back up to iCloud in Settings>iCloud>Storage & Backup>Manage Storage>Backups>Backup Options. Don't worry -- these items will be in iTunes backup.
Upgrade iTunes
Apple will introduce a new version of iTunes just before iOS 8 ships, so you should install this. Developers often introduce iOS 8-compatible versions of apps in the days before the OS upgrade, so watch for your essential apps to be updated and download these new versions to iTunes on your computer.
Be patient
Every year, Apple introduces new iOS software and millions attempt to download it at once. This causes slow downloads, delays and other problems as the Internet itself buckles under the strain. Ask yourself: Do you need the update on release day, or can you wait 24 hours? Waiting a little often makes for an easier updating experience and gives Apple the chance to fix any last minute problems that emerge. Ideally, updating should take around 30 minutes.
Selling your old device
You'll get a better price if you can figure out how to sell your old device before Apple introduces new models, as this always creates a surge in older devices made available for sale. Before selling the device, follow these steps:
- Backup
- Go to Settings>General>Reset and tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- If you're using iOS 7 with Find My iPhone, you'll need to enter your Apple ID and password before the device is erased and removed from your account so the next owner can activate it.
Setting up iPhone 6
Got the new iPhone? With your new iTunes version and recent backups, setup should be a breeze:
- Plug your iPhone into your computer
- Choose File>Devices>Restore from Back up, wait a few minutes and you're done -- though you should check that Settings and passwords are all in place.
I hope this guide helps you prepare for the September upgrade.
Also read:
- WWDC: 18 iOS 8, Yosemite details you probably missed
- Yet more iOS 8 secrets Apple isn't talking about
- 'Siri, cook my lunch': 8 iOS solutions for smart homes
- 8 ways you'll use Apple's iOS 8 HealthKit every day
- iOS 8: Apple kills creepy Wi-Fi Location Tracking? Not really
- WWDC: Get your Mac ready for OS X Yosemite beta
- iOS 7: Making Find My Friends useful and less creepy
- iOS 7: Using your iPhone to get the milk
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