iOS 12: 4 Steps to Best Prepare for Today's Release

Hi <<First Name>>,
  
Apple is due to release its next major iOS update today (September 17) -- iOS 12.  

To get you and your device(s) ready for iOS 12, please follow these important 4 steps.

The first step to prepare your iOS device for iOS 12 is to find out whether your iPhone or iPad is compatible. It doesn't make sense to prepare for iOS 12 if your device won't support it...right?

Check out this list to make sure your device(s) are compatible:

 

If you are not sure what model you have, click here:

• Identify Your iPhone Model
• Identify Your iPad Model

STEP 2: Freeing Up Space to Install iOS 12

For many iPhone and iPad users, the biggest challenge to installing iOS updates is lack of local storage space. It sure can be frustrating when attempting to install an iOS update, a message pops up notifying you that you don't have enough free space to install the update.  UGH!

A typical major iOS update install file (like iOS 12) averages 2GB to 3GB in size (the latest iOS beta release was 2.22GB in size.) Keep in mind, you'll need additional temporary free space for the install itself.

Here are a tips to see how much free space is available on your device and how to make more room.

1. To see how much free space you have on your iPhone and iPad: open the Settings app
2. Tap the General settings
3. Tap either iPhone or iPad Storage and check how much free space is available.
   
   
    
4. If you are low on free space or would like to perform some general house cleaning, Apple has now provided users recommendations and options to free up space. To see all recommendations, in that same storage setting window, tap the SHOW ALL link to expand the displayed options.
   
    
    
5. The options, shown in the above images, provide five ways to free up large amount of space. You may find options from uploading your photos and movies to iCloud (keep in mind you may have to purchase additional iCloud storage to store your photo library), offloading unused apps, deleting personal videos, deleting large attachments store in the Messages app, to deleting individual apps.

STEP 3: (Most Critical!) Backup your Device

Of the four steps I am sharing with you, step 3 is the most critical and should be done before you attempt any iOS update. Make sure you back your device(s)!

I can't stress how important this is. I have seen too many iOS update nightmares (losing some or all data) because the user didn't take the time to backup his or her device. Please, make a backup!

You have two ways to back up your device: 

1. Backup to iCloud
2. Backup to your computer

STEP 4: Know Your Device Passcode and Your Apple ID

• If you have a lock screen security passcode setup to access your iPhone or iPad, make sure you know it. DO NOT install an iOS update without knowing your device passcode. If you forgot your passcode, or if a message says that your device is disabled, follow these steps to remove your passcode.
• Finally, make sure you have your Apple ID (email address you use to access all Apple Services) and Apple ID password. This will be needed during the update setup phase.