How to download Apple's iOS 11 for iPhone and iPad

iOS 11
iOS 11 was unveiled earlier this year Credit: EPA

Apple's upcoming iOS 11 software will be made live today. Previously it had only been available through a public beta trial, but now it is generally available for current iPhone users.

iOS 11 includes hundreds of new features like a redesigned Control Centre, better multitasking, improvements to the camera and new safety features.

Available devices

iOS 11 is available for the following:

  • iPhone: 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X
  • iPad: 5th generation (2017); Mini 2, 3 and 4; all Air models and all Pro Models
  • iPod Touch: 6th generation (2015)

Backing up

To create an archived backup of your device, you connect it to iTunes, select your device and then "Back up now" Make sure you have ticked the box to encrypt your backup.

From there go to Preferences in the iTunes menu and find devices. Find your recent backup, right click and archive it. This will mean it doesn't get overwritten by new backups.

Installing iOS 11

Installing iOS 11 on your iPhone can be done in a few easy steps. iOS 11 is normally made available in the UK around 6pm on the day it is released.

Make sure your phone is fully charged before the update starts, as it may take some time, and connect to a Wi-Fi network to ensure you do not use all your data.

To get the software on your device, simply go to Settings -> General -> Software Update. iOS 11 should appear here when it is ready for you to download.

What to try

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen for the new, customisable, control centre

The new iOS 11 control centre
The new iOS 11 control centre

Take a screenshot to try the new easier way to send them

The new screenshot mode iOS 11
The new screenshot mode

Adjust live photos with loop or bounce mode

Bounce and Loop mode on iOS 11
Bounce and Loop mode on iOS 11

Edit Siri commands with the keyboard

Siri commands on iOS 11
You can now edit Siri commands

 Beta test iOS

If you want to sign up to test the next iOS or other Apple operating systems you can get an early test version of the software in a few easy steps.

  1. Sign up to Apple's beta testing programme by visiting beta.apple.com from your device from the Safari browser.
  2. Hit Sign Up, and enter your Apple ID. You'll have to agree to the beta software agreement.
  3. Make sure you're on the iOS tab and select "enroll your iOS device" in the "Get Started" section.
  4. Select "Download Profile" and then "Install". It will prompt you to restart your device.
  5. If you go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, it should show the update downloading. Once it's done click "Install Now" and it will restart
  6. It will take a few minutes to install iOS 11. When it restarts, you'll have to log in with your Apple ID again.
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