A Full Guide on How to Update iPhone with/without iTunes

Part 1: Which iPhones Can Update to iOS 5, iOS6 or iOS 7

Before updating your iPhone to latest iOS version you should keep in mind that your device should support the latest iOS version.

iOS 5: supported devices

iOS 5 is only supported by newer devices. An iPhone must be an iPhone 3GS or newer. Any iPad will work. An iPod touch must be 3rd generation or newer.

iOS 6: supported devices

iOS 6 is only supported on iPhone 4S or newer. Any iPad will work. An iPod touch must be 5th generation. iOS 6 offers limited support for the iPhone 3GS/4.

iOS 7 supported devices

iOS 7 is only supported on iPhone 4 or newer. Any iPad will work. An iPod touch must be 5th generation.

Whichever iOS you want to upgrade to, first of all, I suggest that you should make a backup before updating the iPhone. A backup prevents you from losing any data in case something goes wonky down the line.

Part 2: update iPhone without iTunes

This is a really easy method of upgrading iPhone's OS, all that is required is a sound Wi-Fi connection. An important thing to be kept in mind before starting is that the iPhone should be completely charged. If not, plug into a charging source first and then follow these steps:

Cautions, Tips and Tricks 1. Make sure that the installation process is not interrupted or terminated abnormally in case it may present a serious problem.

2. One can always use the recovery mode if something goes wrong during the installation process. The dfu mode can be used if the problem is worse.

Step 1. Go to the home screen and tap Settings >General. Go to the Software Update menu, and your iPhone will check whether there's an update available.

Step 2. If an update is available, it will get listed on the screen. Select your desired update, and tap the Install Now option if updating to iOS 7 or the Download and Install option, in case you're updating to iOS 6.

Step 3. Your iPhone will ask you if you want to download the updates over Wi-Fi, confirm it and then it will prompt you to connect to a charging source. Then, tap Agree that appears on the bottom right of the screen. As the downloading begins, a blue progress bar will appear. When the downloading completes, your iPhone will ask you whether you want to update the device now or later. Select Install. The screen will go black with the Apple logo and a progress bar will appear again. When the installation completes, your iPhone will restart and ready to use.

Part 3: iPhone Update with iTunes

1. Update iPhone OS to iOS 6

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes. A backup and syncing process will start automatically. If not, do it manually.

Step 2. To start the update process, click on your iPhone's name from among the devices listed in the left-hand menu.

Step 3. Go to Summary >Check for Update > Update. If an update is available, a notification from iTunes will appear. Select Download and Update.

Step 4. If prompted for any further decisions, keep pressing Okay. The installation will start automatically, your iPhone will restart once it is completed and then you can use it.

2. Update iPhone OS to iOS 7

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable and open iTunes. A backup and syncing process will start automatically. If not, do it manually.

Step 2. Click your iPhone from the DEVICES section in the left-hand menu.

Step 3. Go to Summary >Check for Update > Update. If an update is available, a notification from iTunes will appear. Select Download and Update.

Step 4. If prompted for any further decisions, keep pressing Okay. The installation will start automatically, your iPhone will restart once it is completed and then you can use it.

2. Cautions, tips and tricks

• Never forget to back up the data on your iPhone before the update.
• Delete all unused apps before the update.
• Update all existing apps.

Part 4: Update iPhone by using IPSW Downloader

Step 1. Download the IPSW file you want from here.

Step 2. Open iTunes. Select your iPhone from the DEVICES menu. In the summary, panel hold the Option key and click Update if using a Mac, or hold the Shift key and click Update if using a PC

Step 3. Now select your IPSW file. Browse for the download location, select the file, and click Choose. Your device will update as if the file had been downloaded through iTunes.

Part 5: Update iPhone App

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App developers keep releasing updates time and again. You must want to keep up to date. The following part of the article explains how to update apps in iOS 6 and 7.

Step 1. Run iTunes and get your iPhone connected with a USB cable.

Step 2. From the left navigation pane, go to Apps > Updates Available > Download All Free Updates.

Step 3. Sign in the Apple ID and begin the download process.

Step 4. After downloading, you can sync your iPhone to get all the updated apps to your iPhone.

Tips and Tricks

Manually checking for updates by going to the iTunes App Store is annoying. In iOS 7, this annoyance can be avoided by letting your iPhone automatically checks and updates the apps.