Tip of the Day: How to Update to iOS 9

After months of beta testing, iOS 9 will be available some time today for downloading. It offers a range of new features, including a News app, a more intelligent Siri, transit and walking directions in Maps, greater search capabilities, split-screen multitasking on the iPad, and more. I've been using the beta version since early August and really like it. In this tip I'll be covering how to update your device to iOS 9.

To update to iOS 9, first back up your iPhone or iPad. To back up using iCloud, connect to a WiFi network and go to Settings > iCloud > Backup, and tap Back Up Now.

Once you've backed up, then you can update to iOS 9 either via Wi-Fi or iTunes. To update wirelessly via Wi-Fi, you'll first need to plug your iPhone or iPad into a power source. Then go to Settings > General > Software Update. You'll see an icon for iOS 9 indicating it's available to be downloaded. Tap on Download and Install. (Note that in the example screenshots, I'm actually updating to iOS 9 Public Beta 2. The process is still the same though.)

Once it's been downloaded, you'll get a dialog box that says Later and Install. Tap Install. (Or you can choose to install it later by tapping Later.) If you use a passcode, you'll be asked to enter it before installing the update.

In the past, one needed to have a significant amount of free storage space to update wirelessly. iOS 8 required 4.6 GB. But with iOS 9, Apple reduced that to 1.8 GB. However, if that's still a problem for you, then updating via iTunes is the answer. That's because the download is stored on your computer rather than your device as it prepares to replace the old iOS.

To update via iTunes, install the latest version of iTunes on your computer and boot it up. Then connect your device to your computer. In iTunes, tap on the icon for your device that appears in the upper left corner.