How to Download and Install iOS 5.1 OTA (Over-the-Air)

With the introduction of iOS 5 last year, Apple kicked off over-the-air updates, a method of installing new software on your iPhone or iPad without downloading the whole IPSW file, but just the bits you need to apply the latest changes.

Apple is currently testing iOS 5.1 internally. The update, expected to drop relatively soon, will deliver a number of important fixes addressing user-reported issues, as well as new features and security plugs.

Developers with access to the latest iOS 5.1 betas are presented with the same two options to continue their testing: install OTA; or download the IPSW and do a manual install via iTunes.

OTA delivers an incremental software update, which means that your download is considerably smaller, hence it can be done wirelessly - without having to tether your iDevice to a computer.

So, how do you do this when Apple decides to release the next iOS version? Easy, just follow these four steps:

1. Unlock your home screen and locate the Settings icon

2. Launch Settings and tap on General

3. From there, select “Software Update” and see if there’s anything new to install

4. Review the information about the available iOS update and tap “Download and Install”

Installing the latest official update (iOS 5.0.1) from Apple over-the-air
Image credits: thinkgsm.com
All you need to do now is wait for your device to automatically download and install the new software.

If everything goes as Apple intended it to go, your iPhone / iPad / iPod touch will reboot automatically and your new software will have been installed without ever touching a computer or the iTunes application.

A few important notes before you attempt to install any new iOS over-the-air:

1. First of all, you need to have iOS 5 installed to download any point-releases that came after it.

2. Second, you need at least 50% battery charge for your device to start downloading the new firmware and proceed with the installation.

3. And finally, you need a strong wireless internet connection, since that’s what over-the-air is all about.

Happy over-the-air updating!