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Die-hard Apple fanatics will surely be repeatedly clicking refresh in the software update section on their iPhones, iPods and iPads, with the promised release of a brand new operating system today.
But before you take the leap and give your phone or tablet a facelift there are a few things you can do to make the transition less traumatic for your beloved device.
1. Check your device is compatible
Before you get carried away with that refresh button, you should probably check whether the software is available for your device. If you have an iPhone 4, 4s, 5, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2, iPad with retina display, or iPad Mini – you’re “a” for away! Anything older – it’s time for that upgrade.
2. Delete useless apps
Every Apple device owner has those apps that seemed like a good idea at the time (workout planner, anyone?) but they’ve never been opened. Tap and hold the app icon until it starts to shake, then tap on the “x” button that appears on the top left corner of the app icon to delete.
3. Update your apps
Make sure the apps that survived the cut are up-to-date – because this is the last time you’ll have to do this manually. Once you upgrade, iOS 7 will automatically download updates for you.
4. Back up your device
This might be the most important item on the list. Should something go wrong, you could lose everything you’ve saved on your device. You can do this via iTunes or with iCloud – you can set both to back up your device automatically. To use iTunes, connect your device, click on the device button (top right in iTunes) where you can format your back-up settings. For the latter, go to Settings, iCloud, Storage & Backup and turn iCloud Backup on.
Want to know what your device will look like after its "facelift"? Watch this:
-Kirstin Buick
Adapted from cnet.com
