Apple iOS 8 is out: Why the update requires 5GB of free space?

Apple’s iOS 8 is now out for users and while everyone is rushing to complete the download, there are some facts you should know. For starters,  the download file is close to 1 GB. The size of the file will vary depending on whether you’ve been regular with your updates or not, and if you haven’t updated all the latest iOS 7 builds, the size of your update is likely to be bigger. But before you get ready to start updating your iPhone or iPad you should note that you’ll be requiring some solid space to ensure that the download is successful. While the system update will require around 1GB of space, both iPhone and iPad users will need around 5 GB of free space if you want to download and install it on your device. According to this piece on Mashable you’ll require close to 5.7 GB of free space on your iPhone or iPad to update, while this piece on Business Insider says 4.6 GB. We tried the update on an iPhone 5s and saw that it required close to 5.5GB. Now before you start cursing Apple for taking so much space on iOS 8, you should note that this is a system update, which means that the requirement is not so unusual. As this Business Insider piece explains, “when you’re downloading a new system update like iOS 8, all the contents are stored in a compressed file.”  As the download is done the “compressed file” will start “unpacking”. So thus you need enough space both for this packing and the new update, adds the report. The report adds that the system will also need space to store iOS 7 while the updates take place. And yes once all this updating is done, as the Business Insider piece says, “iOS 7 and the compressed file of iOS 8 will disappear,” and you will have some space left. Our iPhone 5s still has around 6 GB left which is pretty good for a 16GB model. You should also note that the iOS 8 is compatible with iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c. And of course iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will ship with iOS 8. The iPads on the list are iPad 2, 3rd and 4th-generation iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPad Mini with Retina display. The iPod 5th generation is also supported. Before installing iOS 8 directly from your iPhone or iPad, we suggest you link your iPhone to iTunes and sync your smartphone or tab and keep a complete back up ready. Keep your Photos, Videos, Apps etc all safe on iTunes and then do the update. To hit update, you just need to go to Summary on iTunes, when you connect the device and you’ll see update this iPhone/iPad option. Then finally, hit update and pray that the Apple servers don’t betray you.