How to install iOS 4 on your iPhone or iPod touch

The next major iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 4, is set to be released any time now.

Previously known as iPhone 4.0, this hot new piece of firmware pie brings with it multitasking, folders, iBooks, 5x digital zoom, and iAd.

Rumour has it the much-anticipated iOS 4 should be available to download for free in the UK between 5pm and 6pm.

For those of you with an iPhone 3GS or iPod touch (3rd gen.) all of the features included in the firmware will be accessible.

Anyone running an iPhone 3G or iPod touch (2nd gen.) will miss out on the multitasking - since the hardware isn’t up to scratch - but that’s about it, really.

Owners of the original iPhone or iPod touch (1st gen.) should just head straight on over to the Pocket Gamer iPhone Game Developers World Championship and not look back.

Incidentally, iPad fans need not despair. iOS 4 will be released this autumn for Apple’s magical and revolutionary tablet.

When iOS 4 does eventually land this evening in the UK, here’s what you'll have to do to successfully install the software in neat and concise step-by-step fashion:

Make sure you are running the latest version of iTunes 9.2. Go to Apple’s site for the free download, if necessary.
Connect your iPhone or iPod touch to your PC / Mac using the included, obligatory white, USB cable.
If iTunes doesn’t automatically launch, do it yourself.
Select your device from the sidebar on the left hand side. Mine’s called RPB’s iPhone, in case you were wondering.
The standard iPhone / iPod touch summary pane should appear on screen.
If you’re a person of nervous disposition, it would be wise at this point to back your device up. Right click on the device’s icon in aforementioned sidebar and select Back Up from the list.
Now, you’re ready for some iAction.
Click the 'Check for Update' button on the summary pane.
iTunes will notify you that an update is available, in this case iOS 4, and guide you through the installation.
Job(s) done.