Apple has released iOS 9 — if your iOS device is running iOS 8, you may have received a notification on your iOS device that the new version is available. If you didn’t, don’t worry, all devices compatible with iOS 8 will run iOS 9. And if you’re happy to wait, Apple will eventually push out the update to everyone running iOS 8. Either way, there are numerous ways to upgrade.
A word of warning: we highly recommend backing up any device (iOS or otherwise) before performing any operating system update!
If you received a notification, you can tap “details” and it will immediately take you to Settings > General > Software Update, where you can tap “install now” to update. iOS 9 will automatically download, verify, and install on your device. If you didn’t get a notification, you can still tap your way to Settings > General > Software Updates, and then your device will check for updates, see iOS 9 is available, and give you the “Download and Install” option.
It is not required that your device be plugged into a charger when updating your iOS device over Wi-Fi, but it can take a while, and if your device’s battery is low, it will offer you an extra layer of protection against your phone running out of power in the middle of an upgrade, which can “brick” (freeze up) your phone.
If you don’t have access to or trust Wi-Fi, you can still upgrade using a wire using iTunes, just like in the early days of iOS. For a long time, updating via iTunes was seen as a far more safe and secure option than updating over Wi-Fi. However, with iOS 9, updating over Wi-Fi seems extremely solid, so it’s really just a matter of preference.
If you prefer updating via iTunes, launch iTunes on your computer, then connect your iOS device via its cable to your computer. iTunes will detect your iOS device, and depending on how you set your iTunes preferences, it will either automatically check for iOS updates, or you can manually check from the “Summary” page. As soon as iTunes finds the update, you have the option to download and install. Once this process begins, do not disconnect your iOS device from your computer until the update to iOS 9 is complete, or again, you run the risk of bricking your device.