Apple released iOS 12 in September 2018, the twelfth major release of the iOS software update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The latest and most likely the last software update for iOS 12 is iOS 12.3.2 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Here’s how to download and install iOS 12 – iOS 12.3.2 on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch so you’re prepared.
Let’s jump in:
- iOS 12 Compatible Devices
- Prepare for iOS 12 update
- Warning for Jailbreakers
- Backup iOS Device
- How to Download & Install iOS 12 Wirelessly Over the Air (OTA)
- How to Download & Install iOS 12 Using iTunes
- What’s New in iOS 12
iOS 12.3.2 – iOS 12 Compatible Devices
iOS 12 – 12.3.1 supports the following devices:
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation, 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st generation, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 5th generation, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2
- iPod Touch 6th generation
Prepare for iOS 12.3.2 – iOS 12 update
Before you update your iOS device with iOS 12, we strongly recommend you to check our post on how to prepare for iOS 12 release on your iPhone and iPad where we have provided tips on what you should do before upgrading.
Warning for Jailbreakers
If you have jailbroken your iOS device and cannot live without your favorite jailbreak apps and tweaks then it is recommended that you avoid updating to iOS 12, until a jailbreak for iOS 12 is released.
If you’re not sure what to do, then check out our post, which gives the latest news and updates about iOS 12 jailbreak and also top things jailbreakers should know about iOS 12 – 12.3.1 release. You should also check out the complete list of new iOS 12 features, so you can weigh the pros and cons before deciding to upgrade or not to upgrade to iOS 12 – 12.3.1.
If you still want to upgrade, you’ll have to update your device via iTunes.
Backup iOS Device
It is always a good idea to take a backup of your device before updating it with the latest iOS software update. (Note that if you choose to encrypt your backup using iTunes, along with normal data, secure information like passwords etc. are also backed up.)
You can back up your iOS device using iTunes or iCloud. If you need help, follow our step-by-step guide by clicking on the appropriate link below.
Note: Since this is a major iOS software update, I would strongly recommend taking an iTunes backup so you have the option to restore back with iOS 11 compatible backup data.
How to Download & Install iOS 12 – iOS 12.3.2 Wirelessly Over the Air (OTA)
Before you start the download, connect your device to a power source so that the battery doesn’t drain during the update process. It can take anywhere from a few mins to an hour for the update to download and install, depending on how Apple’s servers are handling the load and your internet connection. You may also want to connect your iPhone to your local Wi-Fi network, so you don’t get charged for downloading the update over your cellular connection.
STEP 1: Once you are plugged in and connected via Wi-Fi, open the Settings app and tap on General > Software Update. iOS will automatically check for available updates and will inform you that iOS 12.3.2 software update is available.
Note: If you’re interested in jailbreaking then you should install the update using iTunes, as OTA updates are known to give problems while jailbreaking.
STEP 2: You will be presented with a screen which provides the details about the all the new features and improvements in iOS 12 – iOS 12.3.2. Tap Download and Install to download and install iOS 12.3.2 update on your iPhone or iPad.
If you get tired of waiting for the download to finish (it could take a while) then go do something else. Your iPhone or iPad will continue to download the update and will send you a notification when the update is ready. Go back to Settings > General > Software Update and then tap Install Now to install iOS 12.3.2 on your device.
How to Download & Install iOS 12 – iOS 12.3.2 Using iTunes
If you’re not getting the iOS 12 software update via over-the-air (OTA) as mentioned above, then you can install it manually by downloading the software update from the official download links provided below and use iTunes to manually update your iOS device. You may also need to install the update using iTunes if you don’t have enough storage space on your device for the OTA update.
Before you plug in your iOS device. take a moment to make sure you are using the latest version of iTunes. Click on iTunes in the menu bar and then click on “Check for updates.”
Once iTunes is all squared away, it’s time to turn your attention to your iOS device and follow these instructions:
STEP 1: Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable. Wait for iTunes to open and connect to your device.
STEP 2: Click on device button to the left of the iTunes Store button in the top right corner in iTunes.
STEP 3: Click on the “Check for Update” directly without using holding down on the Option key or the Shift key. If the iOS 12 update is available it will automatically download and update your device to iOS 12.3.2.
STEP 4: You will get a popup message informing you the new update is available. Click on Download and Update button. At times it takes some time for the software update to be rolled out on all the servers, so if it says the older iOS version is still the latest version then download the appropriate firmware file using download links provided in step 5.
STEP 5: Skip this step if iOS 12.3.2 was available in Step 3 and 4.
Download the firmware file for your device from our download page for the respective devices [Note the download file is around 2.0 GB depending on your device]. iOS 12.3.2 is the latest iOS 12 software update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Note: If you’re downloading the firmware file using Safari then ensure that auto unzip feature is disabled or use Chrome or Firefox.
- Download iOS firmware file for iPhone
- Download iOS firmware file for iPad
- Download iOS firmware file for iPod touch
After downloading the firmware file, hold the Option key (Mac) or the Shift key (Windows) and click on the “Check for Update”. Important: Remember to click on the Check for Update button, and not the Restore iPhone button to avoid restoring your iPhone and setting up your device all over again.
STEP 6: You will get a popup message informing you that iTunes will update your device to iOS 12.3.2 and will verify with Apple. Click on the Update button.
STEP 7: It will then show you the release notes for iOS 12.3.2. Click on the Next button. Then click on the Agree button for the terms and conditions.
STEP 8: iTunes will now download the firmware file (which can take a long time depending on your internet connection as it can be as big as 2.0 GB). After downloading the file, it will process it, extract the software, prepare the device for the software update, and install the update.
STEP 9: Do not disconnect your device until the update has finished. It can take a few minutes. Your device will be updated to iOS 12 and reboot once or twice during the process. You will see while Hello screen after it is successfully updated. Follow the on-screen instructions to start using the device.
What’s New in iOS 12 – iOS 12.3.2
Here’s a quick look at the major new features and improvements in iOS 12 so you can discover them after successfully installing iOS 12:
Better Performance:
Apple has improved the overall performance of iOS 12 on all iPhones and iPads it can be installed on, including the older models. That includes boosted performance for opening the Share Sheet, for instance, or seeing up to 70 percent better performance in certain scenarios on devices like the iPhone 6 Plus. Apple says these performance boosts will be present on all devices that iOS 12 can be installed on, and the company is “doubling down” on performance with this latest iOS release.
Animoji and Memoji:
Apple is introducing four new Animoji characters, including a T-Rex, ghost, and tiger for iPhone X. The biggest new addition is what the company calls Memoji, allowing users to quickly turn themselves into an Animoji with a variety of customization options as well.
Photos:
Apple is improving the Photos experience in iOS 12, making search better and faster, with the ability to search for places and much more. The new app is also getting a faster way to share content, with the app recommending people to share the photos or videos with based on facial recognition. And, after those images are shared, Photos will work with the receiver to find if they have photos of the same event to share back.
Siri:
Apple’s digital personal assistant is getting some improvements, including a new Shortcuts feature. This will give automation workflow to users, allowing for simple statements like “Heading home” to serve up a variety of different commands, including starting a podcast or Apple Music playlist, offering up directions, notifying a contact, and much more. Shortcuts can be created through the Shortcuts app, available as a beta from Apple’s Developer Center.
Grouped Notifications:
iOS 12 is finally adding support for grouped notifications, so multiple notifications from a single app would be merged into one for better usability. Notifications are also getting other improvements. You can now send notifications from the lock screen to the notification center, with Siri now recommending you to disable notifications from apps that you don’t use.
Screen Time:
iOS 12 also includes a comprehensive time management and monitoring tools called Screen Time, which allows you to track how much time you’re spending in apps on your iPhone and iPad. The App Limits and Downtime features help you to reduce your iPhone addiction.
ARKit 2.0:
Apple is also introducing an update to ARKit, which will bring new features for the augmented reality framework. It brings with it more dynamic range for tracking items in the camera, as well as being able to play multiplayer games with up to four people. Support for 3D object detection and persistent. Starting a game built around a physical toy, or a physical classroom serving as a starting and continuation point for lessons. Shared experiences in ARKit 2.0, allowing for real-time multiplayer games. iOS 12 also includes a new app called Measure for measuring objects using AR capabilities. It will be pre-installed when you install or upgrade to iOS 12.
New Maps app:
iOS 12 also includes a revamped and rebuilt Maps app which is powered by Apple’s new Maps engine, which will display foliage, pools, buildings, pedestrian pathways, and other map elements more accurately. The new Maps also includes significant improvements to traffic, real-time road conditions, construction, and more. The updated Maps app is available only for Northern California area. Apple plans to roll out the new maps for other U.S. locations after iOS 12 is released.
Group FaceTime Calls:
iOS 12.1 or later also supports group FaceTime calling feature for up to 32 people. It was disabled temporarily disabled due to the serious evasdropping bug discovered by a teenager, but it has been enabled again after releasing the iOS 12.2 software update, which includes a fix for it.
Apple Books:
Apple is changing iBooks to Apple Books, and tweaking the overall experience as well.
You can check out our post for the complete list of new iOS 12 features and improvements for more in-depth details. You can also check out our guide to discover how to use all the new iOS 12 features on your iPhone and iPad so you can start using them.
iOS 12.0.1 – iOS 12.3.2 Features:
Check out our posts to find out the new features and improvements in the iOS 12 software updates:
- What’s new in iOS 12.0.1
- What’s new in iOS 12.1
- What’s new in iOS 12.1.1
- What’s new in iOS 12.1.2
- What’s new in iOS 12.1.3
- What’s new in iOS 12.1.4
- What’s new in iOS 12.2
- What’s new in iOS 12.3
Also, don’t forget to check out these iOS 12 posts:
- 25 Awesome Hidden iOS 12 Features and How to Use Them
- Top 50 iOS 12 Tips and Tricks
- 20 New iOS 12 Settings You Should Know About
Let us how it goes in the comments. If you need help or have any questions, please free to drop us a line in the comment section below, and we will revert back to you as soon as possible.
This post was last updated on June 12, 2019.
