Updating your iPhone 5 software
As early adopters of the iPhone platform have discovered, the original iPhone is such a dreamy device to use that we all want to know when the next model – the iPhone 5? – will be available.
When Apple rolled out the iPhone 4 last year with a new operating system, the iOS 5 software was made available to older models.
Upgrading the software is as easy as it’s always been on the iTunes product delivery system, but you need to remember not to freak out if things don’t go smoothly.
Some users have discovered that what can go wrong usually has to do with slow internet connections on your Mac or PC.
When you hook up your iPhone to your computer to synchronize and back-up, you’ll see a kindly note that tells you what version of operating system you are using.
If you need to update your OS, it’s vital to back-up and synchronize your phone’s data content first before proceeding with a software upgrade.
Then, and only then, should you proceed to download the new software – if it’s available for your phone.
You may also need to download a new version of iTunes. Do that, too, OK?
After all the updates to the programs are downloaded and upgraded, it’s safe to install the software on your phone.
What this does – and it’s sorta scary at first – is wipe your iPhone clean.
What can go wrong is that your connection may appear to be very slow or may be stopped for some reason – did your computer go to sleep or hibernate? Check that the go to sleep function is turned off.
The good news is that the system is pretty strong and stable, so if you need to start over if you don’t see any progress indicators on your iPhone display or your iTunes display on your desktop, you can do so.
Hold your breath and think positive thoughts, because you won’t know if this working until it works. If you have the phone a friend option, be sure to call somebody who’s done this before. They can reassure you or even do it for you if you need help.
Apple’s instructions for this process are easy to follow at this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414
Some folks have even had to reboot their computer and disconnect the synch cable. It might even be advisable to ensure your phone is fully charged before starting this process.
Troubleshooting may mean that your computer – which is now your backup device – has working USB ports. They can go bad and you won’t know it until you attempt a critical process.
Once the synch, backup, restore and install are complete you’ll probably slowly notice the iOS 5 platform come to life and as you use your iPhone with the new software over the course of a few days, some changes will take place, generally with your installed free and purchased apps, which often are updated when the new operating system is detected.
Slowly, you’ll learn to update these apps, too, by checking the app store app occasionally. Also, be sure to occasionally power off your device and power it back on and occasionally use a Wi-Fi connection … Wi-Fi may make some functions appear or updates become available to apps that the wireless provider’s signal doesn’t download.
When the new iPhone 5 is made available, you’ll hear about it here.
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