How To Update iPhone and iPad iOS Software Without a Computer

November 10, 2011 by Stephen Leave a Comment

Among the many new features in Apple’s iOS version 5 is the ability to update the operating system “over the air” without attaching it to a computer. An added bonus of updating in this manner is a smaller (and thus much quicker) differential or delta download. Today, Apple released the first over the air update to iOS, 5.0.1. Here’s how to trigger an automatic over the air update.

Initiate an IOS update from an iPhone

Apple added a new menu entry in Settings—General

Open "Settings" and tap "General", then tap "Software Update"

iOS will check for available updates online...

...and locate iOS 5.0.1. Tap "Download and Install"

You will be prompted to "Agree" to Apple's Terms and Conditions

The download is much quicker because only changed files are needed

My download took less than a minute using a home cable modem connection

iOS will verify the download, patch the files, and restart the phone

After the restart, your phone is running the latest version of iOS!

The iPad update is identical!

Stephen’s Stance

Differential “over the air” software updates are a major step forward for Apple and iOS, though Android users have been enjoying this feature for years. It really is possible to own an iPhone or iPad without also having a computer iOS 5!

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Initiate an IOS update from an iPhone

Stephen’s Stance

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