Download the iOS Firmware for iPhone and iPad

An IPSW file which contains all the important things which are needed to run the core operating system of Apple devices, iOS is known as firmware. The Beta firmwares have also been released, but for acquiring that one requires an Apple Developer.

While downloading the Firmware software is not difficult, what is important is to know which version you have to download. Apple has released lots of Firmware files in the past years and make sure you know which one you have to download. 

Before You Download the iOS Firmware Software:

Before you download the software, there are certain things that one has to take care of, these points have to be taken care of, otherwise, you may find yourself in trouble later. Some of the things to remember before you start the download the Firmware Software are: 

Knowing which software to download for your iPad or iPhone:

Based on your iPad’s model number you can easily identify which IOS firmware file you have to download. The model number of the iPad is mentioned at the back cover of the iPad.  Based on your iPad model, you can easily download the appropriate iOS firmware or iOS software update for your ipad from the Apple download page. 

Similarly, you can also check the model number of your iPhone and download the appropriate software for your device. 

Create a Backup of your data:

Before you update your iPhone or ipad make sure to backup your data to ensure that the update does not erase or remove any data. If any such thing happens you can always use a backup to restore the data. So make sure before any update backup your data in the drive or an external drive whatever suits you. 

Charge Your Battery:

Before the update starts, you must make sure that your device is either connected to the charging slot or is charged enough for the update to be complete. 

Once all this is done, we can start with the firmware download process. Your iPhone and ipad can be updated by two means:

• Wirelessly 
• Automatically
• Updating using the Computer

Update your Apple device wirelessly:

Whenever there is a new update available on your iPhone or iPad, a message will be sent to you that an update is available. You can install the update by clicking on the Install Now Button.

You can also follow the below steps to complete your installation:

Step1: Connect your device to a good wifi connection. 

Step2: On your iPhone or iPad whichever device you are using go to the settings app and click on General. You will see the tab for Software Update, click on the tab. 

Step3: If any software update is available, you will be directed to a page with the latest software update. On that page Tap on the Download and Install tab. You may see a message which will ask you to temporarily remove the apps because the software would require more space. You can either Tap Cancel or Continue. If you continue then the iOS or iPadOS will reinstall the apps that have been removed. 

Step4: To update now, tap on Install. You can also choose to install later by clicking on the Later tab and choose whether you want to install at night or you want to be reminded of the installation later. If you tap on Install Tonight, you just have to plug your device into power before going off to sleep and your device will be automatically updated overnight. 

Step 5: To confirm installation you may have to enter your passcode. 

The above steps will help you in installing the update. However, there may be some errors that can show up during the installation:

• Space: You may see a message that the update requires more space for installation. In that case you can either update your device using your computer or manually delete some content from your device to make space. Whether you update your device using your computer or wirelessly, the same amount of free space will be available on your device once the update is done. 
• Network Issue: There may be a network issue. If your wifi connection is not proper then there are chances of the error being shown on your screen.

If The Update Does not Complete:

For such issues, make sure your device is connected to the power during the installation.

1. Can’t reach the server:

There may be a problem in your wifi or you may have to reinstall the update for proper installation. Some updates aren’t available wirelessly and a VPN or proxy connection may be required for contacting the update servers. 

The above process is used for updating the software wirelessly. This is a rather simple process all you need to make sure that you have taken care of the prerequisites before you start downloading and installing the software.

2. Update automatically:

With all the devices running on iOS 12 or later, or iPad OS. Apple has launched a new feature where you can have your device update automatically.

You can turn on the automatic update option on your device by following the below-mentioned steps:

Step1: On your iPhone or iPad go to the settings app.

Step2: In the settings app, under the General tab click on software update.

Step3: You will see an option for turning on the Automatic Updates. Click on the tab and your device will automatically update to the latest iOS or iPadOS version. However, there still will be some updates which will have to be installed manually. 

Switching on the automatic update makes you get rid of the manual updation of the Apple device as whenever the update will be available and the device finds enough memory it will install the update automatically. 

3. Update your device using your computer:

If the wireless installation is causing some problems like space issues you can manually update your device using a computer which you can trust. Before you update you will require a good Wifi or Ethernet network connected to your computer as your mobile hotspot will not work very well.  

The process to be followed for updating iPad or iPhone manually using your computer, you are required to follow the below-given steps:

Step1: On your Mac which is updated to the macOS Catalina 10.15 software open the Finder app.If you are using a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes.

Step2: Connect your iPhone or ipad to the computer or Mac.

Step3: Locate your device on your computer and click on General or Settings and check if any updates are available. 

Step4: For the update available, Click on the download tab and then Update.

Step5: For confirmation, you may be asked to enter your passcode. Do the same and your downloading will start. 

The above steps will help you in installing the update. However, there may be some errors that can show up during the installation:

• Space: You may see a message that the update requires more space for installation. In that case, you can manually delete some content from your device to make space.. 
• Network Issue: There may be a network issue. If your wifi connection is not proper then there are chances of the error being shown on your screen.
• The update does not complete: For such issues, make sure your device is connected to the power during the installation.
• Can’t reach the server: There may be a problem in your wifi or you may have to reinstall the update for proper installation. Some updates aren’t available wirelessly and a VPN or proxy connection may be required for contacting the update servers. 

This process will be of great help to you in the installation and upgrading to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS software provides you with the latest features, security updates, and fixes all the bugs.

The features may, however, vary based on your location and devices, so it is different for different devices or in different regions. Many updates actually affect the battery and system performance including network conditions and individual use; actual results may vary.

Conclusion:

The above are all the methods of downloading the iOS firmware for iPad and iPhones, they are simple to use and very effective. Based on whichever method suits you, you can download the software and get rid of all the old bugs and issues that your device might be facing.