Apple has accustomed us to deliver the best in each update of its products and services: this was demonstrated in 2019 with version 13 of its mobile operating system, the biggest novelty of which was the dark mode. But that was not all: it brought many adjustments and improvements. If you think that this platform has overcome its problems and has matured enough -and you don’t want to risk even with the beta version of iOS 14-, we explain how to download iOS 13 on the iPhone and you can fully use all those features.
Note: Since 2019, for the first time in the history of Apple, the iPad took its own path and ceased to have links with iOS. Instead, they started receiving their own operating system called iPadOS; To learn how to download it we have written another guide.
Compatible Devices
First, make sure your device is capable of operating with iOS 13. Although it is well known that Apple is giving new software updates to older devices, some older iPhones that were eligible for iOS 12 will no longer receive iOS 13, so don’t assume that you will have it just because your device did receive the 12th. The following iPod Touch and iPhones are compatible with iOS 13:
- iPod Touch (seventh generation)
- iPhone SE (first generation)
- iPhone 6S and 6S Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 2020 (second generation)
Backup iPhone or iPod Touch
Before installing any update it is advisable to make a backup of your device. Saving your data ensures that resetting your device and uninstalling the beta version of iOS will be easy if something goes wrong. You can update your iPhone or iPod Touch using Apple’s iCloud or connecting your device to a Mac or PC through iTunes.
With iCloud
Using iCloud is probably the easiest way to back up your device. This is how you do it:
- Connect to a wifi network.
- Go to your Settings app, select your name and open iCloud . If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, you’ll need to scroll down to find iCloud .
- Scroll down and click iCloud Backup> Back Up Now . If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, just select Backup .
You can check if the backup is complete by going back to Settings and selecting iCloud> iCloud Storage> Manage Storage , and selecting your device from the list.
With MacOS Catalina
MacOS 10.15 Catalina has said goodbye to Apple’s iconic iTunes, swapping it out for individual apps for Books, Podcasts and Music. However, you can still back up your iOS device with the new MacOS. This is how you do it:
- Connect your iPhone or iPod Touch to your Mac and make sure it is up to date.
- Follow the on-screen instructions if you need to enter your device password or Trust this computer .
- Open your Finder and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
- To perform a manual backup, click the General tab and then click Back up now .
With iTunes
Even if you’ve been blessed with an old Mac or Windows PC, you can still use iTunes to back up your iPhone or iPod Touch. This is how you do it:
- Make sure your iTunes is up to date and connect your device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions if you need to enter your device password or Trust this computer .
- Select your iPhone or iPod Touch in iTunes.
- Click Backup Now to save your data.
How to install and download iOS 13 on iPhone or iPod Touch
The easiest way to download and install iOS 13 on your iPhone or iPod Touch is to do it wirelessly.
- Go to Settings> General> Software Update .
- Your device will check for updates; A notification should appear about iOS 13. Click Download and Install .
- Updating your device may take a while and you will not be able to use it while it is in progress. If it’s easier for you, choose Install Tonight or Remind Me Later to postpone the update.
Install and download iOS 13 from PC or Mac
If it is easier for you to download and install iOS 13 by connecting to a PC or Mac, you can also do it. There are a couple of ways, and there are different methods depending on which version of MacOS you are using, or if you are using a PC. Here is the range of options.
Update your iPhone or iPod Touch to iOS 13 with a Mac with macOS Catalina
If you use macOS Catalina, you no longer have iTunes. This means that the old iTunes-based methods no longer work. However, you can still connect your device to your Mac to update it. This is how you do it:
- Connect your iPhone or iPod Touch to your Mac.
- Once connected, open your Finder and choose your phone in the sidebar.
- Click Check for updates .
- When the update is found, follow the steps on your Mac and iPhone or iPod Touch to complete the update.
Update your iPhone or iPod Touch to iOS 13 with a Mac or PC with iTunes
If you use an old Mac or Windows PC, you can use iTunes to update your iPhone or iPod Touch.
- Make sure iTunes is up to date.
- Connect your device to your Mac or PC.
- Once connected, open iTunes.
- Choose your iPhone or iPod Touch in iTunes.
- Click Summary> Check for Updates .
- Choose Download and update , and if necessary, follow the steps in iTunes and on your device to complete the update.
