Paul Morris·

How To Prepare For iOS 12 Update Release The Right Way

Here’s how to prepare for iOS 12 update release on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch device currently running iOS 11 the right way.

Not all of the steps below will be immediately relevant to you, and some parts may actually be more important to some people than others, but it’s important to have a full top-down view of the right things to do to prep your device for a major firmware installation.

Check Device Compatibility

You can’t install iOS 12 or the new Shortcuts app if they aren’t compatible with your device. So, with that in mind, there is no point in going through the rest of this process without checking that in the first instance.

If You Have An Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch paired and active with your phone, then you are going to want to back it up and more than likely get watchOS 5 on it to enjoy the best compatibility between the two platforms: How To Backup And Restore Apple Watch [Guide].

Update iTunes

This is generally always the case and should go without saying but make sure that you are running the latest version of iTunes. This will ensure compatibility with your iOS 12 device.

Update All App Store Apps

Head into the App Store and ensure that all applications are updated to the latest version. Any developer that has pushed out support for iOS for launch day you will be guaranteed to have.

Charge Your iOS Device To 100%

This may not be entirely imperative but you do need to make sure that you have enough charge on the device to proceed. If possible, make sure that the device is charged to the maximum 100%.

Familiarize With iOS 12 Features

One of the great things about installing a brand new version of iOS on the device is actually playing with it and finding out what’s new. However, if you do want a good overview of what to expect, and you prefer to know what you are walking into so to speak, then you can get an overview of the iOS 12 features, here: 150+ iOS 12 Hidden Features For iPhone And iPad [Running List].

Free Up Storage

Make sure that you have as much storage as possible. This really only applies to those with limited-space devices but there are a few steps you can go through to get some storage space back on your device: 10 Tips To Free Storage Space On iPhone, iPad [Guide].

Create Backup

This could be via either iTunes or iCloud but it’s important that you actually have it in place. It’s unlikely that anything will go wrong with the installation of iOS 12 but it never hurts to be as secure as possible:

Backing up via iCloud

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on the device and head to iCloud > Backup.

Step 2: Make sure that the iCloud Backup toggle is switched into the On position.

Step 3: Tap the Back Up Now option.

Backing up via iTunes

Step 1: Connect the iOS device to a PC or Mac vias USB. iTunes will likely launch automatically, but if it doesn’t then launch it.

Step 2: Under the Backups option, select This computer and make sure the Encrypt iPhone backup option is selected.

Step 3: Hit the Back Up Now button to begin.

Check Jailbreak Status

Are you interested in jailbreaking your device and getting access to Cydia or Sileo when it’s released? If yes, then stay away from this upgrade for now. You can check more on iOS 12 jailbreak situation here: Jailbreak iOS 12 / 12.0.1 / 12.1 On iPhone And iPad [Status Update].

Check Release Time In Your Region

If you want to be hot on the heels of iOS 12 and get it installed pretty much as soon as it is released then you are going to need to know when it drops in your region. We know that Apple will be launching iOS 12 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time on Monday, September 17th, but how does that transfer to your region? Find out, here: iOS 12 Download Release Time In Your Region’s Local Time Zone.

Wait For Update To Release

Now the most exciting part but one of the most important, unfortunately. Sit patiently, watch the hours countdown, and wait for Apple to flick the switch on the release of iOS 12.

Enjoy, and make sure to find all of the hidden features and improvements!

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