Apple, IOS 15, iPad, iPhone — Today is arguably the biggest software launch of the year. It’s when Apple is releasing the next version of the iPhone’s operating system—iOS 15—to the general public. iOS 15 is packed with new features including Focus notifications; a revamped Maps, Safari, and Weather app; new privacy features; and more.
Apple’s iOS 15 update has landed today, bringing new features like FaceTime-calling your friends on Android, Focus Mode for managing your notifications, augmented reality directions in Apple Maps, and Wallet updates for storing a digital version of your driver’s license on your phone. Apple unveiled iOS 15 back in June but just revealed the software’s release date during its iPhone 13 event last week.
Before upgrading, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Make sure your device is Apple compatible with iOS 15
If you’ve purchased a new iPhone in the last six years, it’ll be compatible with iOS 15. Here’s the full list of iPhones and iPads that will support Apple’s new software update. (And if you’re interested in buying the iPhone 13, here’s how to preorder it.)
IOS 15 AND IPADOS 15 SUPPORTED DEVICES
| iPhones | iPads |
|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (all generations) |
| iPhone 13 Mini | iPad Pro 11-inch (all generations) |
| iPhone 13 Pro | iPad Pro 10.5-inch |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPad Pro 9.7-inch |
| iPhone 12 | iPad (5th generation and later) |
| iPhone 12 Mini | iPad Mini (4th generation and later) |
| iPhone 12 Pro | iPad Air (2nd generation and higher) |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | |
| iPhone 11 | |
| iPhone 11 Pro | |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | |
| iPhone XS | |
| iPhone XS Max | |
| iPhone XR | |
| iPhone X | |
| iPhone 8 | |
| iPhone 8 Plus | |
| iPhone 7 | |
| iPhone 7 Plus | |
| iPhone 6S | |
| iPhone 6S Plus | |
| iPhone SE (both generations) | |
| iPod Touch (7th generation) |
But while Apple has confirmed Monday, September 20, as the date when users can download iOs 15, Apple didn’t specify what time downloads will begin. However, if the past is anything to go by, Apple usually releases the new version of iOS right around 10 a.m. PDT. Here’s how that translates to local time in various cities, states, and countries around the world:
- Hawaii: 7 a.m.
- Alaska: 9 a.m.
- U.S./Canada Pacific (California, Arizona, Vancouver, etc.): 10 a.m.
- U.S./Canada Mountain (Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, etc): 11 a.m.
- U.S./Canada Central (Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin, etc): 12 noon
- U.S./Canada East (New York, North Carolina, Florida, Toronto, etc.): 1 p.m.
- Rio de Janeiro; Buenos Aires, Argentina: 3 p.m.
- Iceland: 5 p.m.
- United Kingdom, Portugal: 6 p.m.
- Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Algeria, Angola: 7 p.m.
- Moscow, Finland, Turkey: 8 p.m.
- India: 10:30 p.m.
- China; Singapore; Hong Kong; Perth, Australia: 1 a.m. September 21
- Japan, South Korea: 2 a.m. September 21
- Adelaide, Australia: 2:30 a.m. September 21
- Sydney: 3 a.m. September 21
- New Zealand: 5 a.m. September 21
And iOS 15 isn’t the only operating system Apple is releasing today. Apple will also launch iPadOS 15, tvOS 15, and watchOS 8 today as well. They should be available for download at the same time as iOS 15.
To download iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8, open the Settings app on your device and then tap General > Software Update. To download tvOS 15, open the Settings app on your Apple TV and then select System > Software Update.
Back up your iPhone or iPad before you update to iOS 15
Backing up any device before updating it is usually a good idea. Most of the time, your phone will update normally with no hiccups. But on the rare occasion that something goes wrong, as was the case in 2016 for some iPhone owners when iOS 10 launched, you’ll want to be prepared. If you have the time, it’s also a great idea to go through your photo and app libraries to delete any unnecessary content so that it takes less time to back up your device.
I recommend backing up your iPhone immediately before installing the new software so that your backup is as recent as possible.
There are a couple of ways to back up your iPhone or iPad, and they’re all simple. The easiest way is through iCloud.
