Yesterday saw release candidates drop for the full swath of Apple operating systems, from iOS and iPadOS to MacOS and visionOS, which means we're on track for the last big operating system update release of 2024.
Expect a whole lot of updating next week. While the majority of people leave their devices to update as and when Apple pleases, the power users out there prefer to take charge of things and pave the way for a smooth update.
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Here are some tips and tricks on how to get your devices ready for the update -- and how to ensure as smooth an update as possible.
Everything short of AirPods will get an update.
While Apple doesn't give a timetable, we have pointers and historical data to fall back on.
First, Apple dropped a swath of release candidates yesterday, indicating that -- barring some last-minute catastrophe -- everything is ready.
Also, going back through my calendar -yes, I log operating system releases in my calendar -iOS 17.2, 16.2, and 15.2 were released Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, and Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, respectively.
So, if I were a betting man, I'd wager next Monday or Tuesday.
As for the time of day, updates normally land 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET/5 a.m. AEDT (next day). It takes a while for the update to roll out, and depending on how busy the update servers are, it might take a while before the new updates are available.
Show moreI like to make sure that all my apps are updated, that there are a few gigabytes of free space available, and that I have -- at the very least -- an up-to-date iCloud backup in case anything goes wrong.
As for carrying out the update, I like to have devices fully charged and on the charger while the update is happening, and I want them to on a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
To kick off the update, tap Settings > General > Software Update, and any available updates should appear here.
Show moreThe main thing here it to make sure that you have a backup.
As for carrying out the update, I like to have things fully charged and on charge while the update is happening, and be using a solid, reliable Wi-Fi connection.
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To start the update, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Settings > General > Software Update (for older versions click the Apple menu then choose System Preferences > Software Update).
Show moreAs there's not that much at all to do on the AppleTV, you can safety set it to update tvOS automatically by going Settings > System > Software Updates and turn on Automatically Update.
If, however, you'd like to update it manually, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software.
Show moreSince I wear my Apple Watch at night, I prefer to take control of the update and do it on my terms.
The Apple Watch needs to be on its charger pad and close to the iPhone for the duration of the update. No backup or preparation is required.
Updates are carried out from the Watch app on the connected iPhone. Fire up the app, tap the My Watch tab, and then General > Software Update.
Show moreHomePod and HomePod mini will install new software updates automatically. No backup or preparation is required.
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If you want to check for updates manually, this is done using the Home app from your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Open the Home app, tap/click the More button, then Home go Settings > Software Update.
Show moreIt's a good idea to back up your Vision Pro before carrying out an update to prevent settings and data loss. It's also good to have your Vision Pro connected to a power source while updating.
To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and select the available update.
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