Millions of iPhone owners receive free iOS upgrade TODAY – exact time your smartphone needs to be ready

MILLIONS of iPhone owners across the world will receive the free iOS update later today.

The latest version of the smartphone software is due to land at 6pm UK time.

Apple will introduce a number of big changes for iOS 17.

But not every device will be entitled to it, so be sure to check our full list.

Those who do receive it will have access to brand new Contact Posters for phone calls, improvements to AirDrop and a StandBy full screen experience mode when your iPhone is charging.

But there are some important changes in the background too.

"iOS 17 is also equipped with the latest security patches, so it is vital that iOS users update their devices as soon as possible to remain best protected," said Jake Moore, Global cybersecurity expert at ESET. 

Before you can install the update, you'll need to make sure your iPhone is ready to go.

How to make my iPhone ready for iOS 17

Back-up

It's always good practice to back up any smartphone.

But during a major update it's even more important just in case something goes wrong.

So make sure all your precious photos, videos and other files are backed up with iCloud or any other storage service before setting off.

Clear space

Next, you need to have some space available for the update to download.

Typically, iOS updates can be up to 10GB in size.

So if you know you're running low on space, you might want to clear out any disused apps or old files.

Power up

You need at least 50 per cent of battery to download iOS 17.

And you need at least 20 per cent for it to install.

So juice up - it's probably best to leave it plugged in throughout the installation.

Connect to Wi-Fi

Given how large iOS updates are, you'll need to be connected to Wi-Fi.

Otherwise you could use up a load of your data.

Not only that, Wi-Fi is quicker.

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