iOS 8 release date and time: when is iOS 8 available and what do I need to do to get ready?

iOS 8 arrives around 6pm - scroll down to find out how to back up your data

Today Apple is finally releasing iOS 8, the latest version of its operating system for smartphones and tablets, but UK users will have to wait until 6pm to get the update (the rest of Europe will have to wait till 7pm).

iOS 8 is available for every iPad apart from the first generation and every iPhone from the 4s onwards j(just click Settings > General > Software Update to find it come 6pm). In the US the download goes live at 10:00am Pacific time (12:00pm Central and 13:00pm Eastern).

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iOS 8 offers a whole range of new features including interactive notifications, family sharing options, widgets, improved search on Spotlight and voice-activation on Siri. For a more in-depth look check out our iOS 8 review, or keep on reading to make sure you’re prepared for the download.

Does your device have enough space?

The download of iOS 8 will be between two and three gigabytes in size so you may need to free up room by deleting music or photos. To check, click Settings > General > Usage to see how much storage you have in total and how much is currently available.

Have you backed up your data?

Although it’s very unlikely the update will damage your data, it never hurts to play it safe. There’s two ways you can back-up your iPhone or iPad: using iCloud or manually through a Mac or PC.

To turn on iCloud simply hit Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and hit the toggle at the bottom. You get 5GB of free storage and you can choose what gets synced (so just photos for example, or just contacts). Your device will only sync when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi and plugged in to a power source.

If you don’t like the idea of having your photos whizzing through the digital ether (and we have no idea why you wouldn’t) then you can back up via iTunes. Connect your device to your computer, load up the software and click the Summary tab on your device. Then just click ‘Back Up Now’ and you’re done.