iOS 8 Release Date: How to Download, Who's Eligible for iOS 8, New Features Detailed

Apple will release its latest version of iOS 8 this month for almost all of its mobile devices. iOS 8 is the software update to last years iOS 7, which was a major redesign of Apple's mobile OS that offered new features as well as an aesthetic face lift. Most iOS devices, like iPods; iPhones and iPads, will receive the update as an over-the-air update (OTA), and we've detailed below exactly who can expect to receive iOS 8 and when it will be available. Check it out.

Release Date

iOS 8 will launch this week on Sept. 17 for compatible devices. It will be available as a downloadable update, and iOS device users should receive a prompt on their phone, tablet or iPod notifying them that a new update is available.

Those who receive a new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus this week on Sept. 19 or thereafter will have iOS 8 on their phones out of the box. You won't have to worry about updating your device since both new iPhones will come with the latest version of iOS. 

Will My Device Receive the iOS 8 Update?

The good news is that the vast majority of iOS devices will receive the iOS 8 update. For iPhones, if you have an iPhone 4S or newer, you will receive the iOS 8 update. So, if you have an iPhone 4S, 5, 5c or 5s, you should be able to download the update starting on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

For iPads, if you have an iPad 2 or newer, you will receive the iOS 8 update. Sorry, original iPad owners. So, if you own an iPad 2, 3, 4 or iPad Air, your device will receive the update on Wednesday. Both models of the iPad mini will also receive the update.

iOS 8 Beta

If you can't wait until Wednesday and want to get your hands on iOS8 right now, you can download the iOS 8 beta (Gold Master edition) if you are a part of Apple's iOS developer program. The program costs $99 per year for membership and is intended to give developers an early look at Apple software in order to create apps and games for it.

You should be aware that if you do install the iOS 8 beta, all its features may not work and it is a good idea to backup your mobile device before you install the beta. Make sure to consult a how-to guide before installing the iOS 8 beta if you are unsure about how to do it properly.

iOS 8 New Features

A new time lapse camera mode will be available with the new update. Users will also now be able to call and text from their mac instead of needing their phone with them to stay connected. This new feature will require users to have the latest OSX Yosemite update from Apple, though.

Group messaging gets an update by adding the ability to add or remove people from group texts, and you'll also be able to share your location temporarily with members of a group text. The Quicktype keyboard in iOS 8 will add predictive texting to your messages and promises to make messaging that much quicker by suggesting what you might type next.