It’s here at long last, the iOS 6 firmware update that boosts over 200 brand new features including the much talked about new Apple Maps, Facebook integration and improvements to our favourite virtual assistant Siri. If you’re anything like me, then you will be dying to get your hands on this update and will be performing the fairly basic installation yourself. Unfortunately for some, it’s not always as clear-cut. If you have a Jailbroken device, there are some steps you need to follow to ensure you don’t get stuck, and in future, can return to your Jailbroken state.
At this stage, there is no untethered Jailbreak for iOS 6. There is a tethered one available for iPhone 3G, iPhone 4 and iPod Touch, but the rest of us will need to wait. Also, it is important to note that if you are reliant on an unlock on your iDevice, DO NOT update to iOS 6.
How To Install iOS 6 On iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch
Step 1. As with all updates, changes and any other form of tinkering you do with your device, make sure you back it up first via iTunes or iCloud.
Step 2. For those with Jailbroken devices running iOS 5.1.1, make sure you save all your SHSH blobs. The firmware will stop getting signed by Apple so this is important. You can do this with Redsn0w’s latest version.
Step 3. Now you need to ensure you have the latest version on iTunes which is V 10.7. You can download it here: iTunes 10.7 or it will ask you if you want to update automatically when you open your current version of iTunes.
Step 4. The best way to download and install iOS 6 firmware is OTA (over-the-air) for non Jailbroken devices (Jailbreakers will need to complete theirs via iTunes). Just ensure you have a secure internet connection and that your device is connected to a power outlet. My download and installation took roughly an hour to complete before it rebooted.
Step 5. Head to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Software Update’. Then simply follow the prompts.
Step 6. For those of you performing a fresh install via iTunes, make sure you hold down the left ‘Shift’ key (or ‘Option’ key for those Mac users). This will allow you to browse the iOS 6 firmware file.