Apple on Wednesday released iOS 5, a major (and free) update for the operating system used by its iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices.
The new update contains over 200 new features, according to Apple – major changes to notifications, the introduction of a new messaging system called iMessage, Newsstand (for tracking periodicals), reminders for managing to-do lists, built-in Twitter support, camera and photo improvements, enhancements to mail, changes to the calendar, Game Center enhancements, AirPlay mirroring, multitasking gestures for iPad, support for iTunes in the Cloud and Apple’s new iCloud services, and a multitude of other enhancements.
Many iOS device users are all downloading the update, so be prepared to buckle in and wait a while for it to download. You can get the update by plugging your iOS device into your Mac or PC, opening iTunes, then clicking on the Update button.
Security changes have been made in the new release as well. To find out more, visit Apple’s Web site.
The update is compatible with the following devices:
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 3GS
- iPad 2
- iPad
- iPod touch (4th generation)
- iPod touch (3rd generation)