UPDATE: Apple has announced the iOS 8 public release will be Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The release of iOS 8 Gold Master (GM) is likely just a few hours away.
With the release of the last beta iteration in the rear-view, GM will be the final iOS 8 iteration to become available to developers before the public update's release.
While this is purely speculation, PhonesReview has put together a rough schedule that developers can expect to see the download based on previous iOS GM releases. According to the publication, the last two Gold Master versions went live about an hour after the conclusion of the keynote event, suggesting GM will be offered at 1 PM PDT or 4 PM EDT.
The public update is then expected to release about a week later.
With the highly-anticipated arrival just around the corner, will you be prepared? Although it may seem as simple as downloading the latest update, there are some steps you should take before switching your iPhone or iPad to iOS 8.
Here are Know Your Mobile's five tips to ensure you're ready to download:
1.) Check to see if your device is iOS 8 capable
The only device that didn't make the final list for compatibility is the iPhone 4, as the update is available for users of the iPhone 6, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 4S, iPod touch fifth-gen, iPad 2, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina Display, iPad mini, iPad 4, and iPad 3.
2.) Make sure you have enough space for the update
iOS 7 required 700MB of space and while its unknown how much its successor will require, you can be sure its going to be similarly large amount. Apple will prompt you before downloading if you do not have enough space, so either way you will either have to get rid of some unnecessary apps, photos, music/TV shows/movies or other data you might not need right on your device (there's always iCloud).
3.) Is your device running iOS 7.1.2?
To update to iOS 8, you'll likely need to be up to date with the latest iOS 7 version, meaning you won't be able to switch unless you're running iOS 7.1.2.
4.) Do you have the latest version of your apps?
If you don't want to lose your app or its data, make sure they are up to date. This will also ensure you get the most out your apps in iOS 8, as they will have been tinkered with for iOS 8 integration.
5.) Back up your device!
This is the most important step you need to take before updating. While everything is done to ensure the transition to iOS 8 goes smoothly, major updates can go awry. To back up, simply follow these steps:
a.) Connect your iPhone or iPad into your Mac or PC and open iTunes.
b.) Select your device under Source and select "Summary."
c.) Under "Backups" select "This Computer" and then "Back Up Now."
Now you're ready to go!
