iPad Updates: iOS Edition

iPad updates: iOS Edition explains in simple steps how to update your device's operating system.

iOs updates occur on average every 12 months (with some interim minor revisions in-between). Therefore it is important you keep your Apple device up to date, particularly for bug fixes and user improvements.

It is a straightforward process, as you will see in a moment. Unfortunately I find there are lots of home users who find the process confusing.

Therefore, with the help of the images showing the process step-by-step, we dispel this confusion so updating your device's iOS becomes the straightforward task it really is!

This page is part 4 of a 6-part series on the iPad which also covers the following areas:

A tutorial on how to update iOS 8 is also available.

Do you have any comments to make about this page? Have you encountered issues updating your iPad? Add a Facebook message below.


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Table of Contents

  1. iPad Updates: Download Preparation Stage
  2. Dowloading The Latest iOS Version
  3. Installation Steps
  4. Final Steps
  5. Final Thoughts
  6. Facebook Comments

iPad Updates
Download Preparation Stage

In this section we look at what needs to be done to prepare for downloading your iPad's iOS update. Have your iTunes password to hand as you need this in a moment.

IMPORTANT ALERT

Before starting the update process please observe the following tips:

1. Backup all your data using iCloud or iTunes

2. Update your Apps to the latest versions

3. Be patient! iOS updates are time consuming

This blog article from Here's The Thing (Opens New Window) covers iOS 7 update Do's and Don't in excellent detail. These tips also apply to iOS 8, iOS9 and above

STEP 1

Tap: Settings > General > Software Update:


iPad Updates:
How To Access The Software Update Tool On Your iPad
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

iPad Updates: General > Software Update Instructions

STEP 2

The Software Update screen shows you details of the iOS update available for your iPad, including the size of the latest version available.


Software Update Information and Options
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

Interesting Information Before Updating Your iOS

STEP 2a

If you tap the Learn More option on the above screen, the following screen appears which details all of the changes, improvements and bug fixes included in the iOS update.

As iOS updates are fairly infrequent, the changes listed tend to be quite substantial. I always read this information so there are no surprises once the update is completed.


Learning More About Your iOs Update
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

Learn More About The iOS Update To Be Applied

STEP 3

When you tap the Download and Install option, a check is performed for any further updates issues by Apple for your device.

This ensures you receives the latest update available, and avoid having to follow the process twice if you checked for updates previously and decided not to go ahead at the time.


Checking For iOS Updates
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

Checking For New Updates To Your iPads iOS

STEP 4

When the latest iOS version is confirmed, the standard Apple Terms and Conditions page appears. Tap Agree in the top right hand corner to proceed.

I bet very few read License and Terms and Conditions pages. At 43 pages plus it is heavy going. It covers things like license conditions for using inbuilt codec's (what enables video to work) and statements such as the one below when using Facetime.


iOS Update Terms & Conditions Excerpt

"By using the iOS Software, you agree that Apple may transmit, collect, maintain, process and use these identifiers [e.g. your login details] for the purpose of providing and improving the FaceTime feature."


Do you truly know what you are agreeing to when you tap the Agree link? The literature is full of disclaimers and conditions such as the example above. Would you tap Disagree after reading the fine print?


Agreeing iOS Update Terms and Conditions
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Reading and Accepting Terms and Conditions

STEP 5

Next your iPad requests you enter your iTunes password. Enter your password then tap OK to begin the download process.


Login To iTunes To Progress
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

iTunes Authentication Required

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Downloading the Latest iOS Version

STEP 6

After entering your iTunes password the download process begins. A blue status bar and a countdown shows where the download is up to.


iOS Downloading With Countdown
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

iOS Download Process

iPad Updates: iOS Download Preparation Stage
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

iOS Download Prep Stage

IMPORTANT NOTE

Ensure your device is appropriately charged, or even better, plugged in to the mains.

As you can see below, if your iPad has less than a 50% charge, the iOS update cannot take place.


iOS Will Not Update If Battery Too Low
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

Charge Your Device Until Over 50% Battery Life For iOS Update To Continue

STEP 7

When the iOS source files are download, tap Install Now. You of course have the option not to go ahead with the update right this very second. You can continue this process later if you so wish. 


iOS Update Downloaded And Ready To Install
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Downloaded iOS is Ready to Install

STEP 8

At this stage the Terms and Conditions page appears. It is the same page that appears in Step 4 above. Tap Agree when ready to proceed.


Verify Terms and Conditions Again
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Verifying Terms and Conditions Again

STEP 9

Part of the download process is the Verification Stage. This is where integrity checks and other verifications take place, ensuring your download is not corrupted or invalid in some way.


Verifying iPad iOS Update Before Installation
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

Verifying iPad Update Before Installing

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Installation Steps

STEP 10

The installation process happens automatically. All you can do at this stage is either watch the process in action or go and grab a coffee and check back in the next 30-50 minutes or so.

If you decide to watch the process you see status bars like the one pictured below. Your iPad restarts several times during the process.


Apple iOS Version 7 Installing
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

iOS 7 Installation Process

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Final Steps

STEP 11

When the iOS is fully installed, your iPad presents the login screen (which may look slightly different to pre-update). Swipe To Unlock then enter your current Passcode.


iPad Software Update Complete
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

Swipe To Unlock Your iPad

Enter Your Passcode To Access Your iPad
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

iPad Passcode Required

STEP 12 (Final Step)

To confirm you have the latest iOS update, tap: Settings > General > Software Update.

If your device has the latest iOS version installed, the following message is displayed.


Confirmation Your iPad Is Up To Date
(Click Picture To Enlarge)

Confirmation Your iPad's iOS Is Up-To-Date

If you don't have the latest version installed, your iPad performs a check by accessing iTunes and comparing the latest version to the one you currently have installed, and the process above begins again.

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Final Thoughts

So there you have it. iPad updates, whether they be iOS or Apps, is really straightforward. It is prudent to perform the following checks and observations, just to confirm there are no issues.

  • Check the Apps you frequently use. Do they work as expected?

  • What is your iPad's performance like - Better/Worse?

  • Familiarise yourself with the changes in functionality

  • Familiarise yourself with any new gestures

If you encounter any issues with your Apps simply update to the latest version. If you are already using the latest version, uninstall and re-install.

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