The latest update for iPhones and iPads, iOS 12, is looking really worthwhile. It makes compatible devices (see below) faster and more stable, doesn’t make a lot of upsetting changes to the way things work, and includes a bunch of minor improvements, including better notifications, Screen Time management, Siri Shortcuts, parental controls and syncing Voice Memos.
I am most excited about two things:
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Password Autofill finally works with the major password managers like 1Password, LastPass and Dashlane; that is HUGE for most of us; and
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CarPlay now lets you use Google maps (our fave) instead of Apple Maps — although not Waze.
Here’s how to get iOS 12
Make sure your device is compatible
The new update should work with everything AFTER the iPhone 5:
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iPhone 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X
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iPad Air, Air 2; Mini 2, 3, and 4; 9.7 inch, and all Pro models
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iPod Touch (sixth generation)
Back up (just in case) and then install the update
Before you install any update, always back up the device so you have a fallback plan just in case something goes wrong.
You can do both the backup and the update two ways: directly on the device, or by connecting to iTunes on a computer. Here’s how:
Option 1: Directly on the iPhone or iPad
First, back up to iCloud:
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Connect to a Wi-Fi network (and power).
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Open Settings, select your name, and tap iCloud. (If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, you’ll have to scroll down and tap iCloud).
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Tap iCloud Backup. (For those on iOS 10.2 or earlier, tap Backup). Also, make sure that iCloud Backup is turned on.
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Tap Back Up Now.
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Wait for the backup to complete.
Then install the update:
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Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
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A notification about iOS 12 should appear and you can tap Download and Install.
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It can take a while, during which time you won’t be able to use your device, so tap Install Tonight or Remind Me Later if you want to postpone for a more convenient time.
Option 2: Using iTunes on a computer
First, back up to your computer:
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Open iTunes on your computer and update it if you get a notification that an update is available.
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Plug your device in to your computer with a cable
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Follow the onscreen steps if a message asks for your device password or to Trust This Computer.
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Select your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch when it appears in iTunes. In iTunes 12, you click the device’s icon in the upper-right corner of the iTunes window.
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You can save Health and Activity data from your iOS device or Apple Watch by selecting Encrypt and creating a pass code. If you don’t want to save your Health and Activity data, you can just click Back Up Now.
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Wait for the backup to complete.
Install the update in iTunes:
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select your device as above.
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Click Summary > Check for Update.
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Click Download and Update.
Finishing up
Once the device is updated, you finish the process by responding to a couple of questions. Decide if you want to allow updates to happen automatically; this is a personal preference. If you are diligent about doing updates yourself, you can say no; if you don’t always follow through, might be a good idea. Then go ahead and turn on Screen Time reports; you can always turn it off later, and you may find it interesting.
Finally, note that quick access to the settings has moved: it’s no longer a swipe up from the bottom, now it’s a swipe down from the upper right corner.
