Get iOS 8 from iStores without worrying about data costs

We love a free operating system update as much as the next techie, but sadly Apple doesn’t exactly consider the developing world (and its crummy and costly Internet connectivity) when it rolls out new updates. To combat this, South Africa’s iStore’s, are offering to update consumers’ devices to iOS 8 for free.

Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 8 came out this week and is available for most recent models of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. A more potent, flexible and intuitive OS than its predecessor – at least, according to Apple – iOS 8 has a number of features that will make working across devices easier when Apple’s next version of its desktop operating system, OS X Yosemite, lands in coming months.

The new mobile OS requires more than 5GB of free space on the device being updated, but this can be mitigated by downloading the update to a laptop or desktop using iTunes before installing it. But even then, the download is just shy of 1.3GB.

Users who’d rather not download the update themselves can get the iStore to update their device by booking a technical session here, or by booking to attend an upgrade evening event. The service is available from Friday, 19 September. Users are advised to back up their devices before attending the upgrade events or their technical session appointment.

To find out more about iOS’s new features visit the iStore’s summary of its key features here.