iOS 8.4: How To Install The Latest Update For Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

Apple has officially launched the latest update to the operating system powering its iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches. And to install the update, known as iOS 8.4, there are a few options to choose from.

For the most part, the update process is fairly straightforward. But just in case anything goes wrong, back up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud or your home computer before starting. Once that’s out of the way, here’s how you can install iOS 8.4.

Over-The-Air (OTA)

The easiest way to install Apple’s latest update is by launching the Settings app, tapping General >Software Update. The update should appear in the screen along with a brief description of the changes that come with it. Tap the download and install button, type in your passcode and accept the terms and conditions to start the over-the-air (OTA) download process. But this method only works when there is enough free space left on the device.

Update Through iTunes

If there isn’t enough space on the iPhone available, one alternative method is plugging it into a Mac or PC and running the update through iTunes. This can be done by launching the iTunes app and clicking the “Update” button on the iPhone’s device page. The process is fairly similar to the OTA update. However, the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch must be plugged into the Mac or PC for the entire duration of the process. This is the preferred method to update your iOS device if you plan on jailbreaking it at a later date -- a process which allows users to run software and tweaks that wouldn’t normally be allowed on Apple’s devices.

Perform A Full Restore

If you’re having problems with your current iOS installation, consider backing up your iPhone and performing a full restore and update to iOS 8.4. Sometimes starting from a fresh slate can help remedy issues that have cropped up on an iOS device over time.

The iPhone software update comes with a number of tweaks and fixes -- including one for a messaging bug that caused iPhones and iPads to crash when they received a specific line of text over iMessage and other messaging apps. Apple iOS 8.4 also launches with Apple Music, Apple Inc.’s debut radio and on-demand music subscription service.