Apple announced iOS 7 back in June and finally its release day has come following several beta releases. Apple releases beta versions to all those who have account with Apple’s iOS dev portal. The main purpose of these beta releases, as you know, is to fix the bugs before the final and public build and more over is to allow the developers to make their apps compatible with the coming iOS.
Today you’ll be downloading and installing it on your compatible devices. Before you proceed further make it sure your device is supported. Here is the list of all supported devices.
Step 1: Find Your Device is Compatible
- iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S
- iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4 and iPad Mini
- iPod Touch 5G
If you own any compatible device, follow this guide to upgrade from iOS 6 or any previous version like iOS 5 to iOS 7.
Step 2: Back up your device
It is always recommended to back up your device before upgrading, updating or restoring the device; and you all know the best way is to use the official iTunes method.
- Connect your device with iTunes.
- Right click on your device name in left sidebar.
- Click on Back up.
- After that synchronise your device with the iTunes.
You can also use iCloud backup option present in your iOS 6 device, but iTunes is more reliable and comprehensive.
Step 3: Install the Latest iTunes Version
If you don’t know, iOS 7 will require iTunes 11.1 for synchronisation and proper restoring. The current stable version of iTunes is 11.0.5 but iOS 7 supported iTunes 11.1 will also be released today just before iOS 7 release. Before you install today’s iOS release, make it sure you have already installed the latest iTunes version and back up your device using the latest iTunes version too.
Step 4: Save SHSH Blobs if You are Jailbreaker
iOS 7 is jailbreak-proof right now. So if you install it on your device, you’ll lose the jailbreak ability until iPhone Dev Team or any other team releases a new jailbreak for this version. However, if you can live without jailbreak and want to enjoy the new features and UI, you should save the SHSH blobs before upgrading. SHSH blobs help you download to previous iOS version. The blobs can be saved by using one of following methods.
- Use iSHSHit app available in the Cydia store
- By using TinyUmbrella
- Or by using Redsn0w
Step 5: Update Existing Apps and Delete Unwanted Ones
It is always better to update all your existing apps and delete the unwanted ones prior to upgrade. It would help you speed up the restore process.
Step 6: Save Photos and Other Media Files
The most precious content on your phone is not doubt your photos and other media files. You should save them all separately using iPhoto or any other preferred software.
Step 7: Upgrade
Finally, here is the upgrade step. Here are three methods you can use to install iOS 7 on your device.
Method (1) By Using built-in Software Updater:
In this case you see a red badge on settings app and when you open it, you find a new software update notification. After connecting to Wifi, you can install iOS 7 on your device. However, if you are already using iOS 7 GM version, you won’t get any notification due to being the same build number of both GM and public release. In this case you have to use the Method No.3.
This method is slow in receiving the new update because sometimes the built-in updater doesn’t check for the new update, or sometimes Apple or cellular carrier delays in pushing the update notification to the device. In these cases you can either manually keep checking the update by going to Settings -> General -> Software Update or use the methods mentioned below.
Method (2) By Using iTunes Built-in Updater:
When you connect your device with the latest iTunes version, you see a pop-up message alerting you that new software update is available for your device. Now just click on Update button and iTunes will download the required iOS iPSW files and restore your device to it.
Method (3) By Using iTunes and Already Downloaded iPSW Files:
This method is my favourite method. In this method first we download the iPSW files using the direct download links, which we will post once iOS 7 is out, and then use the iTunes software to install it. After connecting the device to iTunes, keep pressed Alt (Option) on Mac or Shift on Windows and click on Restore button. Now navigate to the iPSW file and let iTunes finish the restore process.
If you see any problem during the upgrade process, simply retry. In case of any specific error message, you can leave a comment here and the Shoutpedia community will try to help you.
Happy Using iOS 7!
