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iOS 5 update now available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

iOS 5 has arrived, so you can now update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with the latest Apple software.

Richard Trenholm Former Movie and TV Senior Editor
Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.
Expertise Films, TV, Movies, Television, Technology
Richard Trenholm
2 min read

On your marks -- get set -- update! iOS 5 has arrived, so you can now update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with the latest Apple software.

iOS 5 adds a boatload of new features to your iPhone, iPad or iPod -- read on to see the pick of the new features, and find out how to use them with our nifty how to guides.

There's a new look for notifications, putting all your reminders and new stuff in one place, at the top of your screen. You can see your notifications even when your phone is locked. Reminders get a new look too, and location-based reminders give you a nudge when you wander past a particular place.

Twitter is built in to several apps for easier tweeting on the go.

Even more good news: this could be the last time you ever have to plug your iThing into your computer, as future updates will be over the air, and magically beam into your ApplePod wirelessly.

Speaking of magically beaming stuff without the aid of wires, you can also store your stuff online with iCloud or whiz it round the house with Home Sharing.

You also get iMessage, a new free instant messaging service that works over 3G and Wi-Fi. You can chat with one person or a group, and send pictures and videos, or a map of where you are.

iOS 5 is available now if you have an iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S. It works with the iPad and iPad 2, and the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch.

To update to iOS 5, simply plug your iPhone, iPad or iPod into your computer and follow the instructions in iTunes. As always, back up your phone first in case your Apple update goes pear-shaped, and make yourself a cup of tea because it could take a while.

Are you 5 alive? We'll be filling your heads with all manner of useful iOS 5 how to guides over the coming days, so keep it CNET UK. Let us know how you get on in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.