Skip to main content

How to prepare for and download iOS 7

Get iOS 7 early main
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s no doubt that Apple’s latest platform update goes beyond the usual annual spruce up. This is a major visual overhaul and it will usher in some great new features. You can get the full lowdown in our guide to everything you need to know about iOS 7. The update is available for a select group of iPhone and iPad models from September 18.

Assuming you haven’t jumped the gun and already installed iOS 7 before it’s officially out, we’re going to take a quick look at which devices will support the update, how to prepare for it, and how to snag it as soon it is available.

Which devices support iOS 7?

The full list of devices that support iOS 7 is as follows: iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPad 2, iPad with Retina display, iPad Mini, and the iPod Touch 5th generation. Some of the features won’t work on all of those devices and there are a few restrictions in specific countries (check the bottom of this page for more details).

iOS_7_compatibility
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Back everything up

Use iTunes or iCloud to backup all of your data just in case you run into a problem. You don’t want to risk losing any contacts, messages, or photos.

For iCloud check in Settings > iCloud > Backup & Storage to make sure your backup is enabled, or do it manually when you’re connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and tapping Back Up Now.

For iTunes connect your iPhone to your computer and fire up iTunes. Open the File menu and choose Devices > Back up. You can check when you did your last backup via the Preferences in iTunes under the Devices tab.

Clean out your junk

Take this opportunity to clear out some old media files, apps you don’t use, and other superfluous data. Check out our guide to cleaning up your iPhone for some handy tips.

Update your iOS and iTunes

Make sure that you are running the latest version of iOS and that you have the latest version of iTunes to avoid any problems. You should have version 6.1.4 of iOS and you can check by going to Settings > General > About and looking at Version. As for iTunes, you should have version 11.1 and you can check via Help > About iTunes.

Update your apps

You should also make sure that any apps you want to keep are fully up to date. The new iOS 7 platform will update apps automatically, but right now you still need to load up the App Store and tap Updates and then Update All to get the latest versions of your apps. Many developers will release updates to keep their apps in tip-top shape when the new platform comes out, so it’s worth checking.

How to download iOS 7 update

Though you can technically cheat and download iOS 7 now, we recommend you wait. Starting tomorrow the iOS 7 update will start to roll out wirelessly. You should make sure your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is plugged into the charger and connected to Wi-Fi. Open Settings > General > Software Update and then tap Download when prompted. When it’s ready tap Install and you’ll be moments away from iOS 7.

You can also use iTunes. Connect your device to your Mac or PC and select it under Devices in iTunes and then tap Check for Update. You can choose Download Only, but you’ll probably want to opt for Download and Update.

If you don’t have a great deal of space on your device then it might be safest to opt for the iTunes method. Don’t interrupt the process once it has begun. The download could take a while.

Let us know how the update goes for you and what you think of iOS 7.

Editors' Recommendations

Simon Hill
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Simon Hill is an experienced technology journalist and editor who loves all things tech. He is currently the Associate Mobile…
How to delete a wallpaper on your iPhone in iOS 17
How to delete a wallpaper on your iPhone.

While it may not have as many customization options as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple gives you plenty of ways to make your iPhone your own. This remains the case with iOS 17, which brought heaps of new features to the smartphone lineup, ensuring that the iPhone 15 and its predecessors remain some of the best smartphones of 2024. As you'd expect, one of the most popular features on the iOS is updating your wallpaper and give your home or lock screen a brand new look. These can be paired with widgets for even more functionality.

Read more
iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: is it time to upgrade?
Renders of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro next to each other.

The iPhone 15 Pro series, released last year, comes with significant design changes, which include a titanium body for the first time. The new models boast improved camera quality, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and a new 3nm A17 Pro chip. While these features are impressive, some may not find them compelling enough to upgrade from the iPhone 14 Pro.

But what about the iPhone 13 Pro? When comparing the 2023 iPhone 15 Pro to the 2021 iPhone 13 Pro, it's no surprise that the differences are considerably longer. Whether these differences are significant enough for you to switch depends on whether you could benefit from them and are willing to pay the price of upgrading.

Read more
I tried Belkin’s ridiculous new iPhone accessory — and I love it
Belkin Stand Pro with iPhone 14 Pro Max mounted in StandBy mode.

One of the most interesting iPhone accessories to debut this year is one that wouldn’t have been possible without Apple sneaking a new feature into iOS 17 last fall. While there’s no shortage of iPhone stands and mounts on the market, Belkin’s Stand Pro is something entirely different from the rest.

That’s thanks to Apple’s DockKit. It's a framework for accessory makers to create motorized stands that can follow you around the room. While the concept itself isn’t new, DockKit means that such stands can be significantly more affordable as they don’t need to pack in complex sensors. With DockKit, the iPhone does all the heavy lifting of figuring out where to point itself.

Read more