iOS 13

Here's what's new in iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, as well as how to backup, update, and troubleshoot downloading and installing Apple's latest software.

Note: iPadOS 13 launches September 24.

What's new in iOS 13 and iPadOS 13

After a long beta period, iOS 13's latest update is now out in the world. We've got all the details on new features, updated tidbits, and any bug fixes or new troubleshoots coming with this install.

Here's our rundown: Feel free to peruse it at your leisure.

Should you upgrade to iOS 13 or iPadOS 13?

With the latest version of iOS 13 (and iPadOS 13 coming next week), you may be thinking "You had me at install!" But there are some things to consider before making the leap, especially right away — the age of your iPhone and whether your must-have apps are compatible, for example. Before you hit that install button, take a look at our advice about updating right away.

Should you upgrade to iOS 13?

Which iPhones and iPads are compatible with iOS 13 and iPadOS 13?

As technology improves, older devices have a difficult time keeping up with major software changes. That's why Apple puts a limit on how old your device can be and still be compatible with new operating systems each year.

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Here's a list of every device that is compatible with Apple's latest iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 update.

Which iPhones and iPads are compatible with iOS 13?

How to prepare your iPhone or iPad for iOS 13 and iPadOS 13

The latest version of iOS brings a whole bunch of exciting updates to both iPhone and iPad.

Whether you've been downloading the beta software through Apple's beta program or you're just waiting to get your hands on it for the first time, here are some important steps to follow to make sure your iPhone and iPad are ready for the update!

How to prepare your iPhone or iPad for iOS 13 and iPadOS 13

How to back up your iPhone or iPad

Your iPhone or iPad store all your photos, messages, health data, documents, accessory setups, settings, and more. In other words, your memories and your preferences.

Your data is important, even precious, and should be treated as such. Before you download any software, you should always back up your device.

How to back up your iPhone or iPad

How to download and install iOS 13

Looking to download the latest version of iOS? Here's everything you need to know about getting the latest version on your iPhone, as well as what's new in the update.

We've also got tips about when to update, when to hold off, and whether it's better to install directly or use iTunes. (Spoiler: It's almost always better to install it directly.)

How to update your iOS devices using Apple Configurator 2

Although targeted toward schools and businesses, Apple Configurator 2 is a free macOS tool that allows you to manage all of the iOS devices in your organization (or home!) from a central location.

Instead of having to go to each device and initiate an OS update, you can do everything at the same time (as long as the requisite number of USB ports exists per device), saving lots of time from my Mac.

If you are in need of maintaining, configuring, securing and deploying a multitude of iOS devices, then Apple Configurator 2 may just be the tool you're looking for.

How to update your iOS devices using Apple Configurator 2

How to update from an iOS beta to the official release

This year, because the beta of iOS 13 has already moved on to iOS 13.1, updating to the official release is more complicated than previous years. It doesn't just happen automatically.

The easiest solution is to wait until iOS 13.1 releases on September 24, and then remove the beta profile from your iPhone if you want to switch over to the official version.

If, however, you really want to get off the beta path ASAP and stick with the official version of iOS 13 from day-one, you're going to need to jump through a couple of hoops. You can only downgrade back to iOS 13 if you made an archived backup of your iPhone back when you installed the beta originally. Here's what to do.

How to update from an iOS beta to the official release

How to troubleshoot common iOS install problems

iOS is now 13! Installing the update only requires a few steps.

Normally, it should be a quick and easy process — but things can and do go wrong. If it times out, fails to verify, won't download, won't complete, or won't reboot, you'll need to troubleshoot. Here's what you can do!

Questions about updating?

Let us know in the comments.

Updated September 2019: Updated for iOS 13.

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