Apple has unleashed its new iOS 8 operating system on the iPhone and iPad-toting masses.
The newest version of the mobile OS, featuring HealthKit, third-party keyboards, a revamped Messages experience and new camera skills, is now available to download via Wi-Fi and iTunes for device owners with compatible models.
The 937MB download can be accessed by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update or by tethering your device to iTunes with a USB cable.
However, the company is requiring users to have a huge amount of free space in order to make the download. In our case, Apple asked for 4.6GB of free space, while some users on Twitter claim Apple wants up to 5.8GB to work with.
Those leaping to download iOS 8 onto their new devices are also experiencing the obligatory wait times, with some users being quoted estimated download times of up to eight hours. That is no doubt due to the weight on Apple’s servers and users’ slower Wi-Fi connections
Once the initial surge is over, Apple fans will be able to download and install the OS on their devices within the hour, as the case has been in previous years.
The software is compatible with the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini 2 with Retina Display. Users of those devices are, of course, strongly advised to back up their existing device via iTunes in order to secure their data ahead of the download.
Have you downloaded iOS 8 for your iPhone or iPad yet or are you waiting for the clamour to die down and for Apple to iron out any issues before taking the plunge?
Read more: Should I upgrade my iPhone or iPad to iOS 8
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
