Updating to iOS 4? Here’s what you need to know
Apple’s iOS 4 is scheduled to go live tomorrow, June 21, and here’s everything you need to know to update your iPhone or iPod touch.
The final release version of iOS 4 for iPhone or iPod touch hits tomorrow (iPad isn’t coming until later this fall) and we’ll post it up right on the front page the minute it’s ready. Before you race to download, however, there are a few steps you want to go through to get ready — to make sure you have the smoothest upgrade possible.
Check device compatibility
The 2009 iPhone 3GS and iPod touch G3 (64GB and 32GB) get the full update (except for iPhone 4 specific features like FaceTime that require different hardware). Multitasking, folders, wallpapers, unified inbox, multiple Exchange accounts, the whole shebang.
The 2008 iPhone 3G and iPod touch G2 (which includes the 2009 iPod touch 8GB) won’t be getting multitasking, custom wallpaper, and Bluetooth keyboard support as Apple maintains the hardware isn’t capable (they have slower CPU, GPU, etc.)
The 2007 original iPhone 2G and iPod touch aren’t compatible with iOS 4.
If you’re not sure which iPhone or iPod touch you have, check Apple’s support pages. [iPhone, iPod touch]
Make sure you’re running iTunes 9.2
You need iTunes 9.2 in order to activate iOS 4 (and the forthcoming iPhone 4). Apple released it last Wednesday so, if you haven’t gotten it already, hit Software Update and download the latest, or get it directly from Apple. [iTunes 9.2].
(Developers, remember you have the option of updating via Xcode instead of iTunes).
If you’ve Jailbroken, re-virginize
Safe and sound, an ounce of prevention, etc. etc. make us feel safer restoring a Jailbroken iPhone to 3.1.x before attempting to upgrade to iOS 4. You may not have a problem, but we’ve heard from enough readers who have for us to include this step.
And remember, updating to iOS 4 will mean no Jailbreak, no unlock for now. If that’s a deal breaker for you, don’t upgrade.
If you need extra help with this step, we’ve got a thread up in the TiPb Jailbreak Forum just for you.
Update your apps
One of iOS 4′s biggest new features is multitasking, especially saved state (so your apps restart where you left them), and background audio, location, and VoIP (so you can listen to streaming music, get turn-by-turn directions, and answer internet phone calls even when not in the apps). However, developers have to update their apps for iOS 4 compatibility. That means new versions will be showing up in iTunes on the desktop or App Store on your iPhone/iPod touch, and that means you’ll have to update to them.
Depending on how fast developers get the updates done, how fast Apple approves them, how many apps you have, and how big they are, this process could take a while. Might as well get started while you’re waiting.
(We’re keeping an eye out for major iOS 4 apps and compatibility updates so bookmark that link for future reference).
Backup your data
Once you have iTunes installed, plug in your iPhone and/or iPod touch and sync it. You want your data backed up, anything you’ve purchased or updated on-device transferred safely to your Windows/Mac library, and the position of any media you’re currently enjoying recorded so you can keep going from the same place once your iOS 4 update is done.
Remember, if you haven’t synced in a while it could take a few minutes to backup. Don’t be impatient, let it run.
Once that’s done, launch iPhoto on your Mac or your favorite image capture program on Windows and copy over any photos you’ve taken on the iPhone. Losing your Camera Roll, especially if it has a lot of special moments recorded, is something to be avoided at all costs.
Get up to speed on iOS 4
Once everything is done and ready, and if you’re still waiting for Apple to release the update, why not check out our complete iOS 4 walkthrough so once you’ve downloaded and installed it you can spend your time enjoying the new functionality, not trying to discover it.
Jump into the forums and learn more
Did we mention how smart TiPb forum members are? If you have any lingering questions or need any additional help, or you just want to relax and chat with like-minded iOS enthusiasts and technology adepts, head on over to the TiPb iPhone Forum.
Best community on the ‘net, check it out.
Anything else?
Did we forget anything or just plain get something wrong? Any tips or tricks you use before updating to a major new version of iOS? Let us know in the comments and we’ll update.
| Tweet |
|
|
Next up →
Waiting on iOS 4? – from the forumsLeave a Reply
Note: Comments must be civil, respectful, and on-topic. If a comment does not add to the conversation, if it contains spam advertising, or inappropriate language or content, it will be removed. Comments containing links may be held for moderation. Relax, enjoy, and share in the discussion.
Out of 110 apps on my iPhone..only 3 have been updated for iOS4 compatibility. Not very good.
Seriously? 3G isn’t getting wallpapers? I get multitasking but using putting up in image on the Springboard background can’t be that much of a drain on resources, especially when so many jailbreak apps that do a heck of a lot more work perfectly on the old iPhones.
So when does it hit the web tonight(midnight)? Tomorrow(9am EST)? Called my Apple store and was told it is possible midnight tonight!
Is there a list of all the new iOS 4 “voice control” commands?
Any news as to what time it hits the UK? Do we have to wait until late afternoon/early evening so it’s the same time as U.S.?
There was some iOS4 apps showing up, but the flow seems to have stopped in the past 36 hours.
@Ascaris Some people with the GM JailBroken on 3G/ITouch2G have said that it does slow down the UI.
Anyone know if I can restore my iPhone 3G backup to my new iPhone 4 that arrives later this week? If so, should I upgrade my 3G to iOS 4? Or just sit tight for a few days?
basically, if you don’t have a 3GS/iphone 4 don’t update.
Grrr 9.5 hours into the 21st here in NZ and its not out yet! Damn you Apple/the US for living in the past!
The only reason for Apple not letting Ipod touch 2g/iphone 3g users set a wallpaper would be to let consumers easily know that device ain’t running the full version of the OS. You know, steve would be horrified if costumers said “this new update is crap” just because the hardware can’t handle it.
But in the end, the users will say the same thing.. because that’s the most noticeable feature of the update, and they are not even getting that.
Lame.
@Ascaris Actually the dropshadows from the dock and the icons really slow down the UI, too much for the 3G to handle.
FYI, it took me hours to backup after I installed iTunes 9.2. So something to watch out for.
Anybody knows exact time iOS 4 gonna b available to download… Hmmm just time is ticking… It’s already 21st in Dubai.
@WilhelmR
I think you are spot on with that analysis.
This information is sickening, clean up your jb phone, then someone says if u have 3G, don’t upgrade. What gives?
I went from a jailbroken 3.1.3 to a jailbroken 4.0 (GM seed) very easily on my iPhone 3G. No need to re-virginize, and 4.0 is jailbreakable.
I can’t stress enough: backup your photos. For some reason. No matter how you backup and restore in iTunes, you always lose your pictures…
@madz you still have to wait a long time it’s 6:30 PM EST in Canada so we still have to wait about 10 more hours
So lame with what the 3g phone is not getting.. Especially not getting a simple stupid wallpaper. So LAME!
With that said if you don’t own at least a 3gs to this point.. Go get yourself a new iPhone! You’re missing out on so much, seriously.
I own a 3gs and plan to buy a iphone4 whenever I can get my hands on it. Wasn’t successful with the failed preordering phase.
Last year 3.0 updated at 10am PT.
Upgraded to 9.2 last week to get ready for this. I hadn’t backed up in 3-4 months, TOOK 4.5 HOURS!! Seriously!!! Long backup times are the whole reason I hadn’t completed a backup in that time frame. I’d start a backup only to have to leave hour before it would complete. Damn, it better not take that long to install the new iOS!!!
Wow what a surprise a company leaves a “important” feature out of an update for hardware that is ALMOST three generations old.
If it’s a deal breaker, buy a new phone. Apple is free to make these decisions and as consumers we are free to move to other platforms.
: )
Can I get the whole ios4 for my 3gs 16 gb except for face time any know let me know please? can’t wait for the 24th!
Seriously? The iPhone 3G can’t handle a wallpaper? So in essence what you are trying to say is “Go back to your motorola flip phone from 2000 that let you set a wallpaper. We can’t support that on a device that has a CPU 20X more powerful”
Nice, real nice. Complete Junk.
What I don’t understand is why a jailbroken device can do wallpapers, can do multi-tasking, can do all the stuff that older devices can’t. Oh, I get it, Jobs is lying to us. To boost sales.
So Apple: 1) Liers 2) Slow updates 3) Way to expensive 4) Missing features my RAZR had in the day. 5) Locked down
Why did I get a EvO again? Ah yes, not because AT&T’s network is crap, although that played a big roll…
I’d start a back up only to leave home before it would complete…
It will be realeased on 6/21 at 12:01 am Pacific time
First I’ve heard that the 3g cannot do wallpapers. Where’s that info coming from?
The 3G hardware isn’t capable to be able to change wallpaper? That’s a joke, right? Apple makes such a great product in the iPhone and then there these few little things that you just want to hit them over the head with a heavy hammer.
I always thought they left stuff out of updates on older phones for usability. Otherwise you’d have people complaining that it’s slow and crappy and turn people away from the product.
I can’t believe Steve Jobs commented in this blog. LOL
Will the 16 gb 3gs get the multitasking upgrade?
The coolest thing is that us 1st gen users won’t even be getting the update, and no one seems to care. Yup, iPhone 2G’s hardware is identical to iPhone 3G! We’ll get cut out of all iOS 4 apps, and by next year, my iPhone is gonna be one cool iPod with a flashy touch interface and a browser.
Which is why I’m currently loving my Palm Pre. A MUCH better phone with a MUCH better interface anyways.
I can’t believe I read through all these comments. Most of them are bunch of people who have nothing else to do but pi$$ and moan…
@ Michael….yes all 3Gs will get it
Some of you guys complain more than people on Crackberry! If you have an iPhone 3G, you should be ready for an upgrade. Get it or stop complaining about having obsolete hardware.
Any idea if the release tomorrow will be an update from the GM seed that was released after the keynote?
Can’t wait. Don’t know if I should update my 3gs or wait till I get my iPhone 4 on Thursday to enjoy iOS 4.
Can’t wait I hope apple stores has iPhone 4s on stock Jul 3 that’s when I’ll be able to buy it… Stupid bills being 18 is hard
… But I got my iPhone 3GS!!!!!
Im from malaysia i still cannot update my ios4 is already 9am here in borneo
Looking forward to the update. I believe it will be a solid update, and will be playing with it all day!
Going from 3G to 4. I hope the speed difference will blow my mind.
Can’t wait.!
Still waiting for custom tones for SMS, voicemail. Like someone said above earlier stuff that the RAZR had when it was “the phone” 6 years ago. I was reading on another Apple fan site…according to the editor on that site; the reason the 3G is not getting custom wallpaper is that the custom wallpaper feature uses the multi-tasking feature, which we all know the older iPod touches and 3G won’t be able to do, if we don’t “break” the rules, so to speak. I guess I would be upset if the 4 got the custom tones and the 3G did not. I got another year to go on the contract and I’ll might as well wait for iPhone 5. A new iPhone is a want, not a need, but you couldn’t tell that from reading the comments.
Rene – the iPhone 3G will get wallpaper as part of the iOS 4.0 update. Very irresponsible blogging. Please cite your sources for the lack of this feature, as I’m running the Dev. version on my 3G right now, and wallpaper is there.
Is there a way to save my pics & vids onto a new computer? I haven’t synced my phone to my old computer in months & no longer have an iTunes account. ( I have a 3G )
@Beej: Are you referring to CUSTOM wallpaper?
I am running ios 4 gm on both my work 3G and my personal 3GS and wallpapers does not work on the 3G. Clearly stated from apples website. The gm version is very pleasing. Can’t wait to get full release.
However the dock did change on the 3G. Just no wallpapers behind icons.
@Beej: Apple.com is the source:
http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/ios4-software-update.html
I’d rather have readers pleasantly surprised by getting something extra than horribly disappointed by not getting what they think they are. That’s responsible blogging.
That’s also why dev builds are dev builds and GA is GA release.
(Hopefully it will work in the GA version — like frosting on a cake, but until it’s tested or Apple says so, we’re not assuming it).
http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/ios4-software-update.html If you read the small print at the bottom of the page that this link goes to you will read about wall paper compatiblity.
any idea what time it’ll go live?
Rene just broke the stinger in Beej’s }^*%#…OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
@Christopher, I haven’t seen a single release time anywhere. I expect that whenever it is available, millions of people (including me) will go download this from iTunes. Would like to know this as well.
damn im going on vacation and would sure love this ios 4 software on my ipod touch tomorrow
@Rene, Impressive control in ZINGING @Beej
@beej. Very irresponsible commenting. Please change the j in your name to a ch.
I really want to know for sure the exact time iOS 4 is released, as tons of people might be flooding the servers.
If I’m currently using 4.0 GM will the update tomorrow be any different?
Where all on the same boat….but I have a hintch just like everything with Apple so far…..today will be marked the first day iTunes crashes cauz of the overwhelming downloads of the new iOS4!!!!
ive got redbulls and 2 packs of smokes!! aaahh yeah!!
Someone posting as Steve Jobs posted earlier that it would launch at 12:01am pt. That would mean that everyone (except maybe Hawaii and Alaska) in the world will have to wait hours into the 21st to get the launch. That would seem to go with Apple’s self assurance that the world really does revolve around them.
Out of my 109 apps, 2 are iOS4 ready. That’s rediculous, considering the fact that almost every app can use at least some of the new APIs and user features. I’m not sure yet if I’m going to do a clean install —restore and update. My iPhone isn’t jailbroken, so I’m not sure how benefial it would be, especially considering how long the process is gonna take. Anyone else planning to do a restore/update who doesn’t have their iPhone jailbroken?
so what’s the point of updating for us 3G users…? Like what things are we getting in 4.0 ?
@ace: Just about everything but multi-tasking, wallpapers and bluetooth keyboards that are listed here: http://gizmodo.com/5513121/the-hidden-secrets-of-iphone-os-4/gallery/
So things like folders, unified inbox, a filesystem of sorts…
ooookay…
Now I remember why I didn’t update to 3.1.3 I’ve been backing up my 3G for an hour and a half and still the the progress bar is frozen at the first 10% …
indeed it’s been a while since I backed up … but sheesh – how long should one wait?
now wait is over … get ready to Update your iphone os …because Getting ready for iOS 4 with new features from :http://www.iphoneapplicationdevelopmentindia.com
I had the same problem backing up my phone!! Had to delete iTunes from my pc, then re downloaded. After that it took 15 min to sync.
Cmon apple, let us have it!!!!
I know! I’m starting to feel like geoge jetson!!
Actually the new iTunes is supposed to cut the backup time almost in half from what I’ve seen
The 3G does have backgrounds
I called support and they told me to delete and reinstall and that fixed my issue. This was on saturday and I had 9.2. I hadn’t backed up my phone in months. I was just trying to help. Good luck!!
I’ll still get Folders with my 3G, right? Folders and Unified Mailbox are the two big things for me.
Well apple, you say my iPod touch 2 gen can’t have walpaper. Nope. Why not. It’s to slow. Too slow, it’s just a simple wallpaper program. Oh no not simple. It is highly developed magical super powerful wallpaper program. Just look at mine. The drops look real, alive, and just amazing. Look at my old palm T2 running silverscreen…… WOW I CAN’T believe my eyes. Hey, want to trade your T2 for a new iPhone 4. Ok it’s a deal. Here you go, just one thing, do not activate it until the 24Th. Thanks Apple.
ios 4 is live people…. Please enjoy it
no, its not live… lol
“this version of the iPhone software (3.1.3) is the current version” whassup with that
good one radio!! FAF!!
Wah! No iOS4, all night for nothing. Damn!
I am reading 9 or 10 pst. I think I am a bit pst and a really big geek for staying up this late for nada. That is noon cst and one est. With most Iphones in the US it would make more sense for a midnight release maybe getting some downloads done earlier and not waiting until peak Monday. I see massive ‘fail’ with this.
your not the onlu one brother!
I will give poster ‘Steve P Jobs’ cudos for waiting up for the spoof. He kept it going since about 7:00 est.
Atleast we tried. I’m too tired to install the update anyway.
If I were the real Steve Jobs I would have done that just for fun. And then went straight to sleep with smile on my face and dollar signs in my dreams. G’night all
@Kevin thank you, we all need a good laugh once in a while
so im guessing it will be the same time as 3.0 last year
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010-06-21-apple21STN.htm?csp=hf
site says 7 am. Strange how a journalist for the USA Today has no concept of time zones though. Still several hours then. Really goodnight then.
i got laid off fri, so i have nothing better to do. wish i had a job to go to this morning!
thanks for the advice to re-install…
trying that now
Worst!!!
hey does anybody know if im already running iOS4 on my phone can i still update to the “official” iOS4? i have the 8a260b version. also, do you know if the public version is going to be a different model number than this?
hope the re-insall works for you.
Since Rene will not post the 100+ new iOS 4 features. I will, hope you all enjoy
http://tech18.com/100-cool-features-iphone-4.html
At this rate, it won’t be available in Australia until the 22nd. False advertising Apple!!!
I wish Thursday would come, I’m losing sleep over this iPhone :[
@Andrian: In my definition of “vacations”, if upgrading your OS is that important to you, then I would start my vacations by postponing the trip a few hours, just so I could do what I want… isn’t that what vacations are supposed to be?
iOS4 page on apple.com clearly shows a wallpaper on the 3G model. False advertisement if it’s not there today.
I wonder if the excitement for iOS 4 is bigger or smaller than for iPhone OS 3. Each time apple does something it seems that so many of us get into a hype mode where we just want to know more and get the newest, greatest gadget from Apple. I wonder why this is.
Apple sure knows how to make us squirm. I bet I have hit that check for update button a thousand times.