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iOS 5 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 55
Article Title = iOS 5 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 5th October 2011
Article Last Updated = 21st January 2016
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?55

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about iOS 5

Click here for a quick link to troubleshooting problems when upgrading to iOS 5.
Q. When is iOS 5 being launched?
A. Apple released iOS 5 on the 12th October 2011.
Q. How much does iOS 5 cost?
A. It is free (as in a free download via the internet).
Q. What do I need to run/upgrade to iOS 5?
A. The new iPhone 4S and iPod Touch 5th generation will come with iOS 5 as standard. Older compatible iOS products are: All other iOS products are not supported.
Q. I have a compatible iOS product so how do I get iOS 5? What do I need to download and install iOS 5?
A. iTunes 10.5 will be required to obtain iOS 5 (iTunes 10.5 or later required to obtain iOS 7 - iTunes 12.8.3 is available to download from Apple). Basic system requirements for iTunes 10.5 are:
  • An Apple Macintosh computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5 or G4 processor and Mac OS X version 10.5 or later
  • or a PC with Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, 32/64-bit editions of Windows Vista, or 32/64-bit editions of Windows 7
Once you have iTunes 10.5 or later installed plug in your iDevice, select it in the list on the left (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window) and then click "Check for update" on the right.
Click here for recommended instructions for upgrading to iOS 5.
Click here if you are having problems upgrading to iOS 5.
Q. What new features does iOS 5 have?
A. See Apple's iOS 5 features list. MacStrategy's recommended features to note are:
  • System wide Notifications
    • Swipe from the top of any screen to view notifications in one place with Notification Centre
    • New notifications appear briefly at the top of the screen
    • View notifications from lock screen
    • Slide the notification app icon to the right on the lock screen to go directly to the app
  • iMessage - a free text/instant messaging system
    • Send and receive unlimited text, photo and video messages with other iOS 5 users
    • Track messages with delivery and read receipts
    • Group messaging and secure encryption
    • Works over mobile networks and Wi-Fi (Normal carrier data rates may apply. Messages will be sent as SMS when iMessage is unavailable; carrier messaging fees apply - go to Settings > Messages to control this behaviour)
  • Newstand - organises your magazine and newspaper app subscriptions
    • Automatically organises magazine and newspaper subscriptions on Home Screen
    • Displays the cover of the latest issue
    • Background downloads of new issues
  • Reminders
    • Syncs with iCloud, iCal and Outlook (for Windows)
    • Location-based reminders when you leave or arrive at a location for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4
  • Twitter integration - deep and thorough
    • Sign in once in Settings and tweet directly from Camera, Photos, Maps, Safari and YouTube
    • Add location to any tweet
    • View Twitter profile pictures and usernames in Contacts
  • Camera improvements for devices with cameras
    • Double-click the Home button when device is asleep to bring up a camera shortcut on iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (4th generation)
    • Volume Up button to take a picture
    • Optional grid lines to line up shots
    • Pinch to zoom in the preview screen
    • Swipe to camera roll from preview screen
    • Tap and hold to lock focus and exposure; iPad 2 and iPod touch (4th generation) only support exposure lock
  • Photo improvements for devices with cameras
    • Crop and rotate
    • Red-eye removal
    • One-tap enhance
    • Organise photos into albums
  • Mail improvements
    • Format text using bold, italic or underlined fonts
    • Indentation control
    • Drag to rearrange names in address fields
    • Flag messages
    • Mass mark messages as flagged, read or unread
    • Customise mail alert sounds
    • S/MIME
  • Calendar improvements
    • Year view on iPad and new Week view for iPhone and iPod touch
    • Tap to create an event
    • View and add event attachments
  • Game Center improvements
    • Use personal photos for your Game Center account
    • Compare your overall achievement scores with your friends
    • Find new Game Center friends with friend recommendations and friends of friends
    • Discover new games with custom game recommendations
  • Multitasking Gestures for iPad
    • Use four or five fingers to pinch to the Home Screen
    • Swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar
    • Swipe left or right to switch between apps
  • iCloud support
    • iTunes in the Cloud
    • Photo Stream
    • Documents in the Cloud
    • Apps and Books automatic download and purchase history
    • Backup
    • Contacts, Calendar and Mail
    • Find My iPhone / Find My Friends
  • Exchange ActiveSync improvements
    • Wirelessly sync tasks
    • Mark messages as flagged, read or unread
    • Improved offline support
    • Save a new contact from a GAL service
  • Software updates available over the air without tethering
  • Safari including "Reader" and "reading lists"
  • PC Free - iOS 5 devices can be set up, activated or updated without iTunes or a computer
  • Wi-Fi Sync - Wirelessly sync your iOS device to your Mac or PC over a shared Wi-Fi connection
  • Airplay Mirroring - stream whatever’s on your iPad 2 or iPhone 4S to your HDTV via Apple TV
  • Personal dictionary for auto-correction
Q. If iOS 5 is supposed to be "PC Free" why do I need iTunes 10.5 or later to install it?
A. You need iTunes 10.5 initially to get iOS 5 installed on your iOS device. Once iOS 5 is on there future software updates for iOS 5 will be "over-the-air" and iTunes will not be required. To access over-the-air updates in iOS 5 go to Settings > General > Software Update. Remember you should always backup your device before installing an update. The Software Update app does allow you to download an update but install it at a later time.
Q. iOS 5 includes Siri (Voice Control) so does it work on all supported devices?
A. No. Siri only works on the iPhone 4S.
Q. Can Siri be used at any time?
A. No. Siri requires an internet connection (3G or Wi-Fi).
Q. What languages does Siri understand?
A. At launch the following languages are supported but Apple has stated that more will come in the future:
  • English (American)
  • English (Australian)
  • English (British)
  • German
  • French
Q. I've heard you don't need to use full names with Siri. Is this true?
A. Yes, Siri will know who your spouse, friends and parents are as long as you designate their relationships e.g. mother, father, parent, brother, sister, child, friend, spouse, partner, assistant, manager in the Mac OS X Address Book or iOS Contacts app.
Q. I'm in the UK but Siri doesn't give me map or local business search information. Why?
A. According to Apple maps and local search support will be available in additional countries (outside the USA) in 2012.
Q. Where can I get more information about Siri?
A. Check Apple's Siri FAQ.
Q. If I am backing up my iOS device to iCloud can I still backup locally using iTunes?
A. You can't do both but there is a setting in iOS 5 that allows you to switch between the two backup types. Go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup > Backup > iCloud Backup.
Q. Phew! Any other benefits?
A. Yes. You can now download and use some new Apple iOS applications:
Q. How do I use the new Wi-Fi syncing feature?
A. You can now sync your iPod/iPhone/iPad with iTunes over Wi-Fi. You need to set this up in iTunes on your computer. Launch iTunes and connect your iPod/iPhone/iPad. Select your device in the list on the left (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window) and then under the 'Summary' tab on the right locate the "Options" heading. Under this heading tick "Sync with this iPod/iPhone/iPad over Wi-fi". Obviously, iTunes needs to be running on your computer that is not asleep and connected to your network for this work. In addition Apple advises that the iPod/iPhone/iPad should be connected to a power source. Check Apple's Wi-Fi Sync troubleshooting document if you're having problems.
Q. I've heard I can buy not just ringtones but additional tones for various alert sounds. Is this true?
A. Yes. The iTunes Store on your iPod/iPhone/iPad now includes the "Tone Store". Go to Settings > Sounds and select any of the alert options e.g. Ringtone. Then click "Buy More Tones" at the top.
Q. All these location service features and the fact that my device has GPS scares me. What can I do to protect my privacy?
A. With iOS 5 you now have much better control over Location Services right down to individual apps and even the system level stuff via Settings > Location Services. To control system level location services including "Location-Based iAds" go to Settings > Location Services > System Services (at the bottom).
Q. I've upgraded to iOS 5 but the camera on my iPhone 3GS/iPhone 4 no longer has the "zoom" feature?
A. Zoom is still there but you need to use the pinch gesture on the screen to activate the zoom controls.

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 5

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 5 can take many hours (1-6 hours is common). Make sure you have a permanent connection to the internet and have the time to install the upgrade!
  1. Update your operating system to the latest version:
  2. Download the latest iTunes full installer
  3. Install iTunes manually
  4. Shutdown your computer and disconnect all external devices except your mouse, keyboard and monitor
  5. Startup your computer and attach your iPod/iPhone/iPad directly to your computer using an Apple USB cable (don't use any hubs or connect it to a monitor or keyboard)
  6. Open iTunes and select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window) and click "Check for update" on the right
  7. Follow the on screen instructions
  8. It is best that you do not use your computer while the upgrade is happening. Do not be tempted to browse the web, check email, play music or use your iPod/iPhone/iPad.
    9. NOTE: You need patience at this point as it can take a long time to upgrade (1-6 hours is common)!
  9. If you encounter problems check our troubleshooting list
  10. Once the upgrade has completed check for updated apps by clicking on Apps in the list on the left of iTunes (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or select "Apps" from the pop-up button in the top left of the window) and then click "Check for Updates" in the bottom right.
  11. Download new Apple iOS 5 apps as required:
  12. Sync your device (to create a new and latest backup and also to sync your updated/new apps)
  13. The upgrade is complete

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 5

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 5 everyone in the world is trying to upgrade at the same time. Adding to this problem is the fact that on the 12th/13th October Apple released TWENTY EIGHT (yes, 28!) different software updates so their servers are getting pretty slammed. The best thing to do in this scenario is have patience and keep trying or simply wait for a day or two after the 13th to let things settle down (do you really need to have iOS 5 right now?).
If you are having problems before or during the upgrade has completed try our troubleshooting steps.
If you are having problems after the upgrade has completed try Restoring Your iPod/iPhone/iPad.
Troubleshooting Problems Before Or During Upgrading To iOS 5
  1. Shutdown your computer and disconnect all external devices except your mouse, keyboard and monitor
  2. If you have not already done so, update your operating system to the latest version:
  3. Install all the latest updates for your operating system:
    • Macintosh > Go to the Apple menu > Software Update and install all listed updates. Repeat until there are no more updates to install.
    • Windows > Go to the Start menu > Windows Update and install all listed updates. Repeat until there are no more updates to install.
  4. Remove iTunes from your computer:
  5. Restart your computer
  6. Run standard maintenance routines on your computer:
  7. Download the latest iTunes full installer
  8. Install iTunes manually
  9. Restart your computer
  10. Attach your iPod/iPhone/iPad directly to your computer using an Apple USB cable (don't use any hubs or connect it to a monitor or keyboard)
  11. Make a manual backup of the old backups for your iPod/iPhone/iPad:
    • Macintosh > make a copy of/backup the Macintosh HD > Users > your home directory > Library > Application Support > MobileSync > Backup folder
    • Windows > make a copy of/backup the C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR_USER_NAME\Application Data\Apple Computer\SyncServices\Local folder
  12. Delete all old backups - Open iTunes and go to iTunes Preferences > Devices tab and delete all backups for the device you are trying to upgrade
  13. Create a fresh, new backup - In iTunes select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window) and click "Sync" in the bottom right
  14. Try upgrading again - Select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window) and click "Check for update" on the right
  15. Follow the on screen instructions
  16. It is best that you do not use your computer while the upgrade is happening. Do not be tempted to browse the web, check email, play music or use your iPod/iPhone/iPad.
    17. NOTE: You need patience at this point as it can take a long time to upgrade (1-6 hours is common)!
  17. If you still encounter problems you will need to Restore your iPod/iPhone/iPad
  18. If the upgrade completes successfully check for updated apps by clicking on Apps in the list on the left of iTunes (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or select "Apps" from the pop-up button in the top left of the window) and then click "Check for Updates" in the bottom right.
  19. Download new Apple iOS 5 apps as required:
  20. Sync your device (to create a new and latest backup and also to sync your updated/new apps)
  21. The upgrade is complete

Article Keywords: iPod iPad iPhone v5iOS iOS 5 iTunes

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