Although the iOS 12 is supersed by releasing several new iOS, you may have an old iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, which requires updates and cannot go beyond the iOS 12. Apple is still supporting iOS 12 with significant security updates for these old equipment, so even if you are already using some taste of iOS 12, to make sure that you are running very latest updates.
In fact, as this writing, Apple has released a total of five iOS 12 security updates in 2021, of which was the latest 12.5.5, reached with the release of iOS 15 in September.
Check to see if your device supports a new version of iOS
Most devices that are capable of running iOS 12 can go beyond that version well – in fact iOS 15 in all ways. Since we naturally recommend updating the latest version of iOS that is available to achieve all the latest features and safety reforms for your device, you want to see our guide how to download iOS 15 if you are using any of the following devices, all are compatible with all iOS 15:
- iPhone 6s (all models)
- iPhone 7 (all models)
- iPhone 8 (all models)
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS (all models)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11 (all models)
- iPhone 12 (all models)
- iPhone SE (All models)
- IPod Touch (7th generation)
After iOS 12, Apple also divided its iPad operating system into a new branch, called it iPados, so if you are using one of the following iPad models, then be sure to check our respective guide on how to download iPados 15:
- IPad Air 2
- IPad Air (3 generations and later)
- iPad (5th generation and later)
- iPad Mini 4
- IPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Pro (all models)
Make sure your old device is compatible with iOS 12
Unfortunately, for some older devices, the iOS 12 is the end of the line, so read if you have one of them that is still running an old version of iOS.
- Iphone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- ipad air
- iPad Mini 2
- IPad Mini 3
- IPod Touch (6th generation)
Note that you can update iOS 12 directly from an old iOS version – you do not need to install iOS 11 first. However, devices that are not able to run iOS 11 will not be able to run iOS 12.
Back up on iCloud
Updating iOS 12 should not erase any of your data, but before updating, only in case, it is always a good idea to make backup. In this way, if you lose anything while installing the new OS, it will be easy to restore things back the way they were. If you have enough storage in your iCloud account, you can do this directly from your iPhone without the need to connect to the computer first. This way:
step 1: Make sure you are connected to the Wi-Fi network.
step 2: open settingChoose your name, and tap Icloud(If you are using iOS 10.2 or before, you have to scroll down and tap Icloud,
step 3: Tap ICloud Backup(For people of iOS 10.2 or before, tap BackupIn addition, make sure that the icloud backup is on.
step 4: Tap backup now,
You will see the date and time of the final backup at the bottom of this screen.
Back up to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch on your Mac or PC
If you do not have a large enough iCloud storage plan, or you simply keep your backup locally, you can choose to return your device to your Mac or Windows PC. You can also do it in addition to making an icloud backup, as it never hurts to backup another. This way:
step 1: open eye Tunes On your Mac or Windows PC. If you are using Macos Catalina or later, you will need to open Explorer Instead, Apple removed iTunes from recent versions of Macos.
step 2: Unlock your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and connect it to your computer using a lightening cable from USB.
step 3: Check your device screen, as the AA Prompt may ask you to authorize the connection to your computer. If yes, tap Trust this computer To move forward.
step 4: Your device should appear in the left sidebar eye Tunes (Or MacoS catalina or later explorer).
Step 5: Click on your device in the sidebar.
Step 6: Click Encryp local backup And when the signal is given, enter a password. This ensures that sensitive data such as saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, health data and call history are included in your backup. For safety and privacy reasons, this data involves only when you choose to encryp your backup.
Step 7: Click backup now To start returning your device to your computer. Once the backup is over, you should see the date and time of the final backup on your computer.
How to download and install iOS 12 on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
The easiest way to update iOS 12 is to install it through a built-in software update tool on your device. Since iOS updates can be quite large, Apple does not allow you to do this on cellular data connections, so you must be on the Wi-Fi network to install iOS 12 wireless ways.
step 1: Open setting App on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
step 2: Tap General , Software update,
step 3: After a few seconds, you should see a notice that a new software update is available.
step 4: Tap Download and install To start the process.
The iOS update will be downloaded in the background, during that time you can still use your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. When it is ready to be installed, you will be motivated to start the update process or postpone it for a more convenient time.
How to download and install iOS 12 from your PC and Mac
If you do not have a Wi-Fi connection available, you can install iOS 12 using iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC (or if you are using Macos Katalina or later).
step 1: Make sure you have Latest version of iTunes Established. If you are using Macos Catalina or later, make sure you have all the latest Macos software updates.
step 2: open eye Tunes (Or Explorer If you are using Macos Catalina or later).
step 3: Unlock your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and connect it to your computer using a lightening cable from USB.
step 4: Check your device screen, as an indication may ask you to authorize the connection to your computer. If yes, tap Trust this computer To move forward.
Step 5: Your device should appear in the left sidebar eye Tunes (Or MacoS catalina or later explorer).
Step 6: Click on your device in the sidebar.
Step 7: Click check for UpdateiTunes (or discovery) will discover a new version of iOS for your device, and inform you if it finds one.
Step 8: Click Download and update To move forward.