Apple has finally seeded iOS 9, the latest version of its mobile operating system, to the general public. And while the latest iOS is more of an evolutionary update that focuses on speed and stability improvements compared to iOS 8, the software brings several exciting features to users, such as a more intelligent Siri, Wi-Fi calling, and music home sharing, among others.
Before you go ahead and install the new OS, you still have to complete a few important tasks to make sure your iPhone or iPad is ready for iOS 9. Here are the things you need to do:
Make sure your device is compatible with iOS 9
Ensure your device actually works with iOS 9 as it's a waste of time going through all the preparatory steps if you find out your device isn't compatible. Apple designed the iOS so that it works with older devices, starting as far back as the iPhone 4s, the third-generation iPad, and the fifth-generation iPod Touch. All models of the iPad mini and the iPad Air are also compatible.
Back up your device through iCloud, iTunes, or both
The software is largely deemed stable enough to be installed without issues. Operating system upgrades can still get botched in all the wrong ways, and if you're unlucky, you can lose all your previous files, photos, and other data saved on your device.
It is important to always keep backups of your data all the time; but when installing the new iOS, it is crucial. You can back up on iCloud by going to your device's Settings > iCloud > Backup and turning on iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now and iCloud will do the rest. Once the backup is complete, go to iCloud > Storage > Manage Storage to see if the backup is successful.
Alternatively, you can also do this the old-fashioned way by backing up to your computer through iTunes. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer then open iTunes. Go to Summary > Backups and click Back Up Now.
Delete unwanted apps, music, and videos
Over the last several months, it's likely you have installed several apps that you no longer want to use or have never used. A whole new operating system takes up a lot of space, though Apple says iOS 9 will be significantly smaller in size compared to earlier iOS versions. If you have a 16GB iPhone, you will run out of storage space really quickly. Make sure you have some space available for iOS 9 by getting rid of your unused apps. You can easily do this straight from the home screen by pressing and holding the app then tapping the X button that appears in the upper left corner.
You can also look at how much space each app takes up by opening the Settings app and going to General > Usage > Manage Storage. Once you see which apps are taking up too much space, it's easier to decide which apps you remove and which ones to keep.
To delete your unwanted photos and videos, make sure your device has turned off iTunes Match, then go to Settings > iTunes & App Store and turn off Show All Music and Videos. Delete the music and video files you can part with by swiping each of them to the right.
Update your remaining apps
The most popular iOS apps have already been updated to be compatible with iOS 9. If you upgrade to the new OS without updating your apps, you might find out that some of them don't work properly anymore. To update all your apps to their latest version, open the App Store and tap Update.
Update to iOS
Now that you've backed up your device, freed up some space, and updated your apps, it's time to get iOS 9 installed. Apple has made the update process extremely easy so that everyone with an iPhone can do so without needing to have special technical knowledge. One last thing: Make sure you have at least 80 percent of battery life and your device is connected over Wi-Fi.
Simply open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update > Download and Install and your device will take care of everything for you.
