Apple iOS 8.0 now available for download

Apple has finally released iOS 8.0 and it is available for download on all compatible devices. You can download the update over the air (OTA) on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Alternatively you can manually download and install the update files on your device through iTunes.

With iOS 8.0 Apple has continued to polish the user interface and overall experience offered on iOS 7, adding several new features and improvements that make your iOS device work even better than it usually would.

Apple has also included several underlying improvements and introduced a number of powerful frameworks for developers, enabling the platform to become more powerful than it has ever been in the past. Those using an iOS 8 device will eventually gain access to Notification Center widgets and custom keyboard among other improvements in the coming days.

		Apple iOS 8.0 - Here's all you need to know
		Apple's iOS 8 is a huge update for both users and developers alike, with several new features and improvements, including quick reply, predictive keyboard, HealthKit and HomeKit APIs, support for third party keyboards like Swype, widgets, Camera and Touch ID API.

Those purchasing a brand new iPhone 6 or an iPhone 6 Plus will find iOS 8.0 pre installed on their new phones. In order to download iOS 8.0 you will require an iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, Apple iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad mini, Retina iPad mini or the iPod Touch fifth generation.

Once you have updated to iOS 8.0, you will no longer be able to downgrade back to iOS 7.1.2, if Apple closes the signing process of the older version of iOS.

As we mentioned above, the easiest way to update your device to iOS 8.0 is through OTA. The update notification will show up on your device and you can download and install the update direction on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch without having to connect it to your computer. 

Keep in mind that this is a fairly large update, and you best be connected to Wi-Fi and have your device fully charged before initiating the OTA.

Alternatively users can also manually download the iOS 8.0 update file using the following link and install it by connecting your device to iTunes. Ideally this is the more recommended method of installing updates on your iOS device.

Download iOS 8.0 (official links)

• iPad Air (5th generation WiFi + Cellular)
• iPad Air (5th generation WiFi)
• iPad (4th generation CDMA)
• iPad (4th generation GSM)
• iPad (4th generation WiFi)
• iPad mini (CDMA)
• iPad mini (GSM)
• iPad mini (WiFi)
• iPad mini 2 (WiFi + Cellular)
• iPad mini 2 (WiFi)
• iPad mini 2 (CDMA)
• iPad 3 Wi-Fi (3rd generation)
• iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (model for ATT)
• iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (model for Verizon)
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi (Rev A)
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (GSM)
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (CDMA)
• iPhone 5 (CDMA)
• iPhone 5 (GSM)
• iPhone 5c (CDMA)
• iPhone 5c (GSM)
• iPhone 5s (CDMA)
• iPhone 5s (GSM)
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPhone 4s
• iPod touch (5th generation)

How to install iOS 8 on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

As we mentioned above, the iOS 8 update is only compatible with a selection of iOS devices. Once you have downloaded the update for your device through one of the links above, you can manually install it to your device using iTunes by following the guide below.

1. Download iOS 8.0 for your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch using the links above.
2. Download iTunes 11.4 for Mac or Windows
3. Connect your iOS device to your Computer
4. Backup your iOS device on iTunes or on iCloud
• On iTunes 11.4, go to File > Devices > Backup, or Click on your iOS device on the right, and in the backups section, click on 'Backup Now' under 'Manually Backup and Restore'.
• On iTunes 10.7, Right click (or Control+Click) on your iOS device in the 'Devices' list on the left column. Select Backup from the menu that opens.
5. Start iTunes. On your Mac, hold the Alt key (on Windows PC, this will be the Shift key), and click on the Restore iPhone… button. iTunes will then allow you to select the .IPSW you downloaded in the previous step. Select it.
   
6. Now sit back wait for iTunes to complete installing iOS 8 on your device. This should take several minutes to complete.

Alternatively you can install iOS 8, OTA by heading to Settings > General > Software Update on your iOS device. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi and that your battery is adequately charged. Also make sure that you have performed a complete backup of your device and that you have at least 6GB of free space before installing the update.

[JAILBREAK] It is important to note that there is currently no jailbreak available for iOS 8. If you are jailbroken on iOS 7.1.2 and like your jailbreak, it is better not to update to today’s iOS 8 release. Also, If you update to iOS 8, downgrading back to iOS 7.1.2 wont be possible once singing window is closed by Apple.