iOS 8.1 Release Today

As announced at its media event last week – Apple’s next major software update for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad just became available to download publicly both over-the-air – and via iTunes.

In testing with developers for a number of weeks prior to its release, iOS 8.1includes a variety of milestone features compared to the software’s previous version, including full support for OS X “Continuity” – a paradigm shift in mobile computing that introduces a cross-platform workflow across iPhone, iPad and Mac for the first time, (with features such as SMS Relay and Instant Hotspot), iCloud Photo Library – a new service that give you access to any photo (and video) you’ve ever taken, in its original resolution, stored in iCloud – and Apple Pay, Apple’s new and wireless transaction service.

Compatibility

Reminder: iOS 8.1 is only compatible with the following devices. 

iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), iPad (4th generation), iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad mini 3 and iPod touch (5th generation).

Backup

It is essential you backup beforeperforming the upgrade to the new OS, just in case the installation process doesn’t run as smoothly as you would have liked it to.

This is also a sensible move given that it is highly probable Apple’s activation servers will fail sometime later today, which could render your iOS device temporarily unusable. 

If that happens, you will need to enter DFU mode.

Entering DFU mode:

1. Plug your device into your computer with a USB cable.
2. Turn off the device.
3. Hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
4. Hold the Home and Power buttons for 10 seconds.
5. Release the Power button but keep holding the Home button.

If successful, iTunes will then prompt you to “Restore” your iOS device to factory settings, after which you should be able to restore the device from either an iTunes or iCloud backup.

Over-The-Air

Downloading iOS 8.1 “over-the-air” to your iOS device, requires that you simply head to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple should have pushed a notification to your device announcing the software upgrade’s availability, in which case you can just hit the modal alert that appears on your iPhone or iPad – to begin the update process.

On iTunes

To download the update on iTunes via either your Mac or PC, just follow the steps below.

1. Physically plug your iOS device into a trusted Mac or PC.
2. Open iTunes (if it isn’t already open).
3. Select your iOS device (top right).
4. Click the “Check for Update” button.

~Section Admin: Micheal