Checklist before iPhone iOS 5 software update

iOS 5 is now just one day away, and consumers have already started to speculate what time they believe the download will begin. However, you need to run through a checklist ahead of the software update for your iPhone. There is not much to remember, but it is best to perform these before you go to update to iOS 5.

The first is the most obvious, you need to visit Apple’s website, just to make certain that your iPhone is compatible with the new mobile OS. All models before 3G and including cannot receive the iOS 5 update, as well as the 2nd-gen iPod Touch and earlier. This will not please those with older versions, but the devices are just not powerful enough to run the updates.

iPhone Rumors states the most obvious (one that we often forget) and that is to download the latest version of iTunes; version 10.5 should go live today or tomorrow. A quick check for an update reveals that it is not live just yet. Make certain that all of you apps are up-to-date – although there will be a host of updates for these over the coming days and weeks.

The final thing on your checklist is to fully backup your iPhone, as you do not want to lose newly added contacts, photos, purchased music etc. I have made the mistake of doing this before, and had to liaise with iTunes support to retrieve all my purchased music – although with iCloud this will be a thing if the past.

I have a new iPhone 4S on order, which will come pre-installed with iOS 5. I already plan to recycle my current iPhone 4, but I will still update to the latest software, as this will give me enough time to get used to all the new features, will you be doing the same?