TuT How to download iOS 9 on your iPhone or iPad

eeemily · September 24, 2015

With new Notes and News apps, Siri and search intelligence, transit for maps, wallet with store and loyalty cards, and multi-app multitasking for iPad, iOS 9 packs a lot of new features into a slimmed-down new package. At just 1.3 GB, it should be easier to download and install than ever. Here's how!

iOS 9 compatibility

iOS 9 can be downloaded onto any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that can run iOS 8. That includes all devices from 2011 or later.

iPad Air 2
iPad Air
iPad 4
iPad 3
iPad 2
iPad mini 3
iPad mini 2
iPad mini

iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6
iPhone 5s
iPhone 5c
iPhone 5
iPhone 4s
iPod touch 5

How to install iOS 9 using Software Update on your iPhone or iPad

The easiest way for most people to download iOS 9 is over-the-air, directly on their device. It's fast, it's efficient, and it's simple to do.

Make sure you have a recent iCloud backup.
Launch Settings from your Home screen.
Tap on General.
Tap on Software Update.
Tap on Download and Install.
Enter your Passcode, if prompted.
Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Tap Agree again to confirm.
Tap Install Now to begin the update.

How to install iOS 9 using iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC

If you have limited space on your device or software update isn't working for whatever reason, you can update using iTunes.

Make sure you have a recent iTunes backup. Make it encrypted so all your password and other private data is preserved.
Launch iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC
Plug your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in using your USB to Lightning or USB to 30-pin Dock cable.
Click on the device icon at the top left to go to the device tab.
Click on Check for Update in the Summary pane.
Click on Download and Update.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Enter the Passcode on your iPhone or iPad, if prompted.

How to make sure you have the release version of iOS 9

If you're running a the developer or public beta, or the gold master, Apple will still push you an update. Technically the GM and the release versions were different builds, ending in 40 and 44 respectively. So, you should be able to update using either of the methods above.

If some some reason nothing else works, you can always force an update at any time if you're willing to go through the trouble:

[*]Make sure you have a recent iTunes backup. Make it encrypted so all your password and other private data is preserved.

[*]Launch iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC

[*]Plug your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in using your USB to Lightning or USB to 30-pin Dock cable.

[*]Click on the device icon at the top left to go to the device tab.

[*]Click on Restore in the Summary pane.

[*]Confirm that you want to restore.

[*]Agree to the Terms and Conditions.

[*]Enter the Passcode on your iPhone or iPad, if prompted.