iOS 6 – IPSW Download, How To Update, Features And More!

So, finally, putting an end to the beta releases, the final build of iOS 6 has landed for all compatible devices. Here, we have a list of the new features in iOS 6, the ipsw download links for all devices (at the bottom of the article) and how you could update your iDevice to the new firmware (OTA, manually and iTunes).

iOS 6 was announced on June 11th at the WWDC event earlier this year and right after the keynote came in the first beta. At the 25th of the same month the second beta was issued to the developers. The third and the fourth beta build was released on July 16th and August 6th respectively. And the Gold Master build was made available few days back, on 12th of September to be precise. And the final stable build of iOS 6 is now up for grabs.

Compatible devices :

• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 5
• iPod touch 4G
• iPod touch 5G
• iPad 2
• iPad 3

The first generation iPad and the third generation iPod Touch have been left out and possibly iOS 5.1.1 was the last update for them.

What’s new in iOS 6?

Have a look through some major changes in iOS 6.

1. Improved Maps

The Maps have got a complete redesign taking it to a new level. With new Maps App, you can get a much clearer view of places. To know more about Maps, move on to this page.

2. ‘Grown up’ Siri

Siri knows more than what she knew earlier now. Apple has extended Siri’s reach to more languages and countries. For more information on Siri, see this page.

3. Passbook App

Passbook is a new app letting you to keep your boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons etc all in one place. And further, it also has integration with the lock screen allowing it to remind you of it at the time mentioned in them.

4. FaceTime over 3G and 4G

FaceTime feature is no longer limited to Wi-Fi only connection. You can now use it over your cellular network as well in iOS 6.

5. Deeper Facebook Integration

Facebook is now having a more deeper integration in iOS. You can now share photos right from your library, share a link right from Safari, share your location with friends without moving from the Maps app and do much more. Facebook is also integrated with Game Center, Siri, Notification Center, Calender and Contacts.

6. Photo Stream sharing

This helps you to share your photos with your selected friends. If your friends are iCloud users, they’ll be getting it right in their library and if they aren’t they could catch them on the web.

7. New Options in Phone App

A new set of options have been added to the Phone app. You can now send a message right away or set up a reminder to call back on declining a call. And they have also added a ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode.

8. Panorama Mode

You wouldn’t need a third party app to get enjoy the Panoroma mode in iOS. It has been included in the Camera App in iOS 6.

9. ‘Lost Mode’ in Find my iPhone

A new option has been added to the Find my iPhone app in iOS 6. Find my iPhone now includes a ‘Lost Mode’ with which you can send a contact number to the lost device and the one who finds it can contact you in that number without getting the privilege to snatch any of your information.

10. Enhanced Safari and Mail

The browsing and mailing experience has been significantly improved.

These are just few of the changes. We’ll now move on to the next section.

Things to Remember Before Updating

You shouldn’t be simply going for the update. Below given are some points to note before you upgrade to iOS 6 :

• See the note for jailbreakers and unlockers below.
• Take a full backup of your device.
• Save your SHSH Blobs before updating to iOS 6 (which will help you to downgrade to iOS 5.1.1 if you wish to in future)
• Have iTunes 10.7 (because iOS 6 is compatible only with iTunes 10.7).
• Your device should not run out of power while updating. Make sure your battery is healthy or keep charging while updating.
• All apps from App Store and Cydia might not work properly. Some might show problems.

How to update your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch to iOS 6

There are three ways by which you could update your device to iOS 6. Two of them involves iTunes and the other one doesn’t.

Method 1. Using OTA Update

First, connect to internet via W-Fi or cellular network. Now navigate to Settings -> General -> Software Update and once the OTA update message appears, tap ‘Download and Install’ option.

Method 2. Using iTunes automatic update

Update iTunes to version 10.7, if you haven’t. Or if you don’t have the application, download it from here and install it. After that, connect your device to the computer. Launch iTunes, choose your device and click on ‘Check for update’. Choose ‘Download and update’ option and wait till it finishes. Once done, it’ll show the iOS 6 update for your device. Just download and install it.

Method 3. Manually using iTunes

Have iTunes 10.7 on your computer. Download iOS 6 ipsw file for your device from below. Connect the device, hold Shift key (Windows) / Option key (Mac) and click Restore and point to the ipsw file. Wait till iTunes finish the job and you’re done!

Note for Jailbreakers and Unlockers

For jailbreakers : The iOS 6 betas were already jailbroken. So, the jailbreak for the final iOS6 build won’t be too late. If you are lucky enough, we’ll be getting it soon (maybe in less than 24 hours!). You can expect it any time. Catch on to our Facebook / Google+ channels or follow me on twitter for the updates.

For unlockers : iOS 6 haven’t got Ultrasn0w support till now or any other tool’s support. So, if you rely on an unlock on your iPhone, you better stand away from iOS 6 till a baseband preservation tool, or a newer Ultrasn0w version is released.

Download iOS 6 IPSW  Files

Here are the iOS 6 IPSW files for all compatible devices :

• iPhone 5 (GSM Model)
• iPhone 5 (CDMA Model)
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 4 (GSM Model)
• iPhone 4 (CDMA Model)
• iPhone 3GS
• iPod Touch 4G
• iPod Touch 5G
• iPad 3 CDMA
• iPad 3 GSM
• iPad 3 WiFi
• iPad 2 GSM
• iPad 2 CDMA
• iPad 2 WiFi

We’ll be coming up with more interesting news, how to guides and more! Stay tuned!