Apple has just released iOS 8 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

If you’re not getting the OTA, then you can download the iOS 8 software update from the official download links provided below and use iTunes to update your iOS device.

Please note iOS 8 is available as a free upgrade for the following iOS devices:

• iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and iPhone 4s
• iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad 3 and iPad 2
• Retina iPad mini, 1st gen iPad mini
• 5th generation iPod touch

Before you update your iOS device with iOS 8, we strongly recommend you to check this post where we have provided tips on what you should do before upgrading.

• Tips to get ready for iOS 8 release

How to install iOS 8 update using iTunes:

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 an 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 8 update is available it will automatically download and update your device to iOS 8. If it says iOS 7.1.2 is the latest version then download the appropriate firmware file using download links provided in step 4.

Step 4: You will get a popup message informing you the new update is available. Click on Download and Update button. If it says iOS 7.1.2 is the latest version then download the appropriate firmware file using download links provided in step 5.

Step 5: Skip this step if you iOS 8.0 was available in Step 4.

Download the firmware file for your device using the download links provided below [Note the download file could be as big as 1.7 GB]:

Note: If you’re downloading the firmware file using Safari then ensure that auto unzip feature is disabled or use Chrome or Firefox.

Note: You will be able to find the model number starting with at the back of your device.

If you’re not sure which iOS firmware file to download then check our posts below:

• Which iOS firmware file based on iPhone model
• Which iOS firmware file based on iPad model

Step 7: If you get a popup message informing you that iTunes will update your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch to iOS 8.0 and will verify with Apple. Click on the Update button.

Step 8: It will then show you the release notes for iOS 8. Click on the Next button. Then click on the Agree button for the terms and conditions.

Step 9: 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 2.1GB). After downloading the file, it will process it, extract the software, prepare the device for software update, and install the update.

Step 10: Do not disconnect your device until the update has finished. It can take a few minutes. Your device will be updated to iOS 8.0 and reboot once or twice during the process. You will see while Hello screen after it is successfully update. Follow the on-screen instructions to start using the device.

Let us know how it goes. If you need help or have any questions, please use the iOS 8 forums. It is the fastest way to get a response from us or someone from the community.

Update 1:

Readers are reporting problems downloading the firmware files as well. It looks like Apple’s servers are overloaded due to the surge in traffic. You may want to try after sometime.

Update 2:

Updated the download links with model numbers.

Update 3:

This guide has been updated with lot more details.