How to update an iPhone? 4 Easy Ways to Update iPhone

The industrial world and software are two topics that do not stand still. Apple is a world leader in the production of unique new products and high-quality technology. They handle not only the release, but also the support of their devices responsibly and competently. This company sets trends - the rest are catching up with them. The Apple iPhone is a bright and dynamic representative, famous throughout the world, and let’s talk about it.

Updating a device is a multifunctional and necessary procedure. The update ensures the download of fresh software, in which old errors are corrected and new features are added. We will tell you how to independently select and download the update via iTunes, flash the device, understand the sequence and meaning of all operations, and also play it safe in case of system errors.

Why do you need to update?

For all users who want to get the most out of their tablet, updating the software is vital. This is primarily due to the fact that most utilities for Apple devices are developed specifically for the latest versions of the OS. These programs may simply not run on an iPad with old firmware. As a result, the user of such a device cannot fully (as efficiently as possible) use his property.

To install updated software, you can contact specially trained people working in service centers. True, this service is paid and quite expensive. Or you can try to figure out this issue yourself. Moreover, this does not require any specific knowledge and skills. Any modern person, if he finds a little free time, will be able to cope with this operation on his own and without much difficulty.

Currently, the latest software version for Apple devices is iOS 11.3 . It introduced new augmented reality features, making it the world's largest AR platform. A few days ago, Apple released update 11.3.1(15E302) , which fixed the problem with the touchscreen not working on non-original displays.

Why is this necessary?

Before you start updating your iPad, you need to understand why such a procedure is being carried out at all.

There are several reasons.

Error correction. None of the operating systems, including iOS, can be called ideal. Some errors and vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered that interfere with the normal operation of the device, leading to glitches, freezes and other problems. Therefore, updates provide all the necessary fixes.
Efficiency. The new firmware is aimed at improving the performance of the gadget, increasing its performance, etc.
Application support. The newest and latest programs and games are developed for the latest versions of the mobile OS. If you stay with the old operating system, you simply won’t be able to download and launch a new game.

These are more than compelling arguments in favor of updating and obtaining the most current version of the mobile operating system for your Apple tablet.

Further instructions will be relevant for all iPad models, from the 1st generation iPad to the 4th generation versions, Air, Pro and Mini. This is also suitable for owners of tablet computers with iOS and iPadOS versions 7-13.

How to update iOS on iPad: preliminary preparation

Experienced people recommend performing a clean installation of iOS. It consists of first deleting all data previously recorded on the device. This significantly improves the further operation of the tablet (or smartphone). But first, the user needs to take a number of actions that will protect him from possible problems, namely:

backup data (make a backup);
copy the old version of the OS (in case you suddenly want to return to it in the future);
prepare enough free space in memory (the update is large, several GB);
make sure that the device is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi (you will have to download a lot).

It is strongly recommended that you connect the tablet to a power source (or the battery must be fully charged). The operation is very energy-intensive, and if the battery dies during the installation process, everything will have to start over.

In order to install the new version, you need to download the firmware file using the wireless update mechanism (Firmware Over The Air). The operation is performed in the “Settings” application (“ Settings ” >> “ General ” >> “ Software Update ”). You can also use iTunes and your computer (laptop) to install updated software.

How to upgrade from iOS beta or gold master to the official release

If you are a developer using the iOS Gold Master release from the Beta Developer Program, you will know that often the Gold Master is identical to the official release in binary format. In this case, there is no need to update. Sometimes, however, this is not the case, and there is no obvious way to get into the final version.

The answer requires a classic backup, update and restore. You will need to download the iOS version of Gold Master before following the steps above to install the IPSW recovery file.

How to Update iOS on iPad Using PC

This method is the only one possible for Apple devices older than version 5. Over-the-air updates have become available for all newer smartphones and tablets.

First, you need to make sure that you have iTunes (if not, then you need to update it). During the iTunes installation process, you will also need to install iCloud (to be able to use the storage). After installing these programs, connect your tablet to your PC and begin installing the update.

If the system has already been updated before, the software update on your iPad will occur automatically.

Launch iTunes, and when the update request appears, click “Cancel.”
Then you need to connect the device and wait a while for automatic synchronization to begin. If this does not happen, you need to select the “File” section in the menu and click “Synchronize”.
Select the connected iPad in the “Devices” section.
On the screen of your tablet, click “Update”.

The process has begun. The update will take some time, during which the device will reboot several times. This is a normal process and there should be no cause for concern.

Possible mistakes

During the process of downloading and installing updates in one way or another, iPad users may encounter some errors that appear on the screen in the form of a digital code.

Each error has its own meaning, as well as the actions that need to be taken to eliminate them.

Reports hardware faults. Moreover, this may concern the Wi-Fi module, power connector, battery and other components. You will have to carry out diagnostics and take the tablet for repair.
This is a USB port related issue. Try connecting through a different port, or use a different computer.
It is considered a cyclic error that occurs in iTunes versions 8.0 to 9.1. The solution is simple. Download the latest version of the program, no older than 10.
Or a message in the form of “Unknown error”. If it came out during preparation for flashing, then this is a software level problem. In other situations, it reports technical malfunctions. Try restarting your tablet and PC, changing the iTunes version, disabling firewalls and antivirus on your computer.
This error can appear for two reasons. This is a loss of information transfer via USB, or incompatibility of the firmware used with the recovery mode used. Therefore, you need to select a different mode, double-check the connection, replace the cable.
Appears if the firmware cannot be loaded into iTunes. Mostly this action is blocked by a firewall or antivirus. Therefore, they should be disabled and the update performed manually.
Tells the user that the integrity of the IPSW file has been compromised. Again, you need to disable blockers, change the cable and use a different port for connection.
1 or -1. This is possible if the software does not support working with the tablet, or the version of iTunes you are using is outdated. You should check compatibility and also enable the update procedure for iTunes.

This is not to say that such errors occur regularly. But it’s better to be prepared for them in advance.

Have you updated your iPad yourself? What method did you use? Did you encounter any difficulties or encounter any errors?

Tell us about your experience, share some good advice.

How to update iOS on iPad wirelessly

This feature is available to all Apple devices from version 5 and higher. The method is simpler and faster than using a computer. But you need to take care of having stable access to a Wi-Fi point. In the absence of such a connection, the iPad will download gigabytes through a 3G/4G connection, which will ultimately eat up most of your monthly Internet traffic. You will have to buy and pay for additional traffic.

The operating system update is installed in the following sequence:

go to the “ Settings ” section;
find the subsection “ Basic ” (in the left column);
select the item “ Software Update ”;
We launch the “ Download and install ” operation.

The process starts automatically. It usually doesn’t last long (the duration depends on the Wi-Fi speed). Once the OS update is complete, the iPad will reboot and the user will immediately be able to use the newly acquired software features. And there are enough of them in the new version.

How to enable or disable auto-update

To avoid constantly checking for updates for iPad, it is recommended to enable auto-update mode as follows:

Open device settings.
Go to the “Basic” section.
Click "Software Update".
Click on “Auto update”.

Accordingly, to disable the option, you will need to go to “Software Update” again and deactivate auto-update.

The feature is only available on devices running iOS 12 or later, and iPadOS.

How to update iOS on iPad: major changes in the OS

Each new firmware contains new functions that were previously unavailable to the user. In version iOS 11.3, the main changes concern expanding the possibilities for using augmented reality. ARKit 1.5 platform allows you to create and place virtual objects not only on horizontal surfaces, but also on vertical ones. This gives great opportunities when choosing design options for an apartment or office. You can not only (as in previous versions) arrange virtual wardrobes and chests of drawers, but also experiment with different types of wallpaper, wall lamps, shelves, etc.

Also in the new version of the OS, the Health application has been further developed, information about the battery status will be displayed, and clips will appear in Apple Music . In general, the user will have something to understand by studying the changes that have occurred in his mobile device.

Possible problems

There is nothing difficult about updating your iPad to the latest version. It is only important to strictly follow the requirements of these instructions. But in the process, some users may encounter problems, which we will try to solve right now.

Hermann

Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.

Ask a Question

Question to the expert

The iPad hasn't received updates for a long time. What should I do?

Even Apple devices stop supporting updates over time. This is due to the technical characteristics of the devices. If the tablet has not received updates for a long time, it is likely that the gadget has simply ceased to be supported by the manufacturer. The only way to use the latest firmware is to buy a new iPad.

What should I do if my iPad turns off during the update process?

If after completing the operation the gadget turns on quietly, you just need to reinstall the update. Otherwise, it is recommended to use the full flashing method via DFU, which was described in our material.

Why did my iPad start working worse after installing the update?

Updates for iOS and iPadOS come quite often. Sometimes developers do not have time to iron out all the shortcomings of the version, which is why “raw” firmware is released. If other users have encountered a similar problem on the same OS version, wait for the next update or roll back to an older version. If you are the only one experiencing the problem, you should perform a factory reset and try updating again.

4.8/5 — (33 votes)

Author

Hermann

Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.

Is it worth doing?

Some users are interested in whether it is possible to update the OS at all. A somewhat strange question. Yes, this can be done, and often even necessary.

There are a number of reasons to update the firmware of your Apple smartphone. Namely:

fresh updates allow you to eliminate bugs and errors of the previous firmware;
some innovations help normalize battery performance, which will stop losing charge so quickly;
the smartphone will have new features and tools that were previously missing;
this will increase the level of protection of the phone from all kinds of threats, virus attacks, etc.;
updates often have a positive effect on performance.

There are more than enough reasons. There are practically no reasons not to update the OS.

What should I do if an error pops up and the update stops?

You can solve the error and update stopping using third-party utilities. To solve the problem you will need:

Download the PhoneRescue program to your computer;
Go to the iOS Repair Tools section;
Put the phone into recovery mode, the program will detect it automatically;
In the recovery method selection window, select Advanced Mode;
If device information does not appear in the next window, you must enter it manually;
Next, the firmware download will begin. After this, the software will be restored.

Updating your iPhone is not at all difficult - you just need to know how to do it. Using the same methods, you can update your iPad. The official methods do not require any effort, but the bypass requires more steps.

You may also find it useful to know:

how to record a telephone conversation on iPhone;
where is the clipboard on your smartphone?
how to legally find out who owns the number.

F.A.Q.