Apple is all set to release the highly anticipated next generation mobile operating system – iOS 6 today, which includes more than 200 new features and improvements.
If you’re planning to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 6 then here are some tips to ensure that you’re ready for it as soon as it is released.
Compatibility:
iOS 6 will be available as a free upgrade for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3 (the new iPad), iPad 2 and 4th generation iPod touch.
Update to iTunes 10.7:
Apple released iTunes 10.7 for Mac and Windows last week so please ensure that you’ve upgraded to the latest version of iTunes. You can update it either via Software Update or download it from Apple’s website.
Backup of your iOS Device:
It is always a good idea to take a backup of your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch before updating it with the latest iOS software update.
You can back up your iOS device using iTunes or iCloud.
Save SHSH Blobs:
Take a backup of the SHSH blobs of all your iOS devices, so that you have an option to downgrade to iOS 5.1.1. It’s very simple to save SHSH blobs using TinyUmbrella.
Update: We’re yet to get a confirmation that it will be possible to downgrade to iOS 5.1.1 or lower from iOS 6 using the SHSH blobs, but it is always a good practice to save SHSH blobs. iFaith points out that iOS 6 closes the loophole discovered earlier this year, so iPad 3 users please note that you will definitely not be able to downgrade from iOS 6, unless a new one is discovered.
Jailbreakers and Unlockers:
If you have jailbroken and/or unlocked your iPhone and cannot live without your favorite jailbreak apps and tweaks then it is recommended that you avoid updating to iOS 6.
If you’re not sure what to do, then checkout our post, which gives the latest status update on jailbreaking iOS 6 and the comprehensive list of iOS 6 features.
Installing iOS 6:
With the release of iOS 5, Apple introduced over-the-air (OTA) updates, which allows you to download iOS software updates (just incremental changes) without plugging your iOS device to the computer. If you are on iOS 5 or later, then you will be able to download and install iOS 6 wirelessly.
If you are not planning to upgrade, make sure that you don’t mistakenly agree to install iOS 6.
You can also update your iOS device to iOS 6 using iTunes by plugging it to your computer. We’ll be publishing direct download links as soon as they’re available.
When will iOS 6 be released
Apple should release iOS 6 at around 10 AM PST/1 PM EST. Apple had released iOS 5 in 2011 and iOS 4 in 2010 at that time.
After you’ve followed the steps mentioned above, you should be ready to download and install iOS 6 as soon as it is available and start using the new features in the latest iOS.
Update:
Here’s the iOS 6 estimated release time in your timezone:
* means the time shown has been adjusted for daylight saving time(DST) or summer time.
If you’ve any questions, please feel free to drop us a line in the comments.
