Hey everyone, let's dive into the world of iOS upgrades! Specifically, we're going to explore how to update your older device from the classic iOS 7.1.2 to the much-improved iOS 12.0. Now, I know what you might be thinking: "iOS 7.1.2? That's ancient history!" And you're right, it is. But, for those of you still rocking an older iPhone or iPad, this guide is for you! We'll cover everything from the initial prep work to the actual installation, making sure you can safely and successfully make the jump. Upgrading your iOS can breathe new life into your device, providing better performance, enhanced security, and access to a whole host of new features. So, whether you're a tech-savvy guru or a complete newbie, stick with me. I'll make this as simple and straightforward as possible.

Why Upgrade from iOS 7.1.2 to iOS 12.0?

First things first, why bother with the upgrade? Well, there are a bunch of great reasons. Firstly, performance. iOS 12.0 was designed to significantly improve performance on older devices. Apple focused on making the user experience faster and more responsive, even on hardware that was a few years old at the time. You'll notice quicker app launches, smoother animations, and overall better system responsiveness. Secondly, security. iOS 12.0 comes with a host of security patches and improvements that protect your device from the latest threats. Older iOS versions are more vulnerable to security breaches, so upgrading is a great way to keep your data safe. Thirdly, features. iOS 12.0 brings a bunch of new features that you won't find on iOS 7.1.2. Things like improved notifications, screen time tracking (to monitor your device usage), and ARKit (for augmented reality apps) make your iPhone or iPad much more fun and useful. Furthermore, app compatibility is another critical factor. Many newer apps and games require a more recent version of iOS to run. By upgrading, you'll be able to access a broader range of apps and enjoy a better overall app experience. You will also experience better app performance as most of the latest apps require a minimum iOS 12 version. Also, by updating to iOS 12.0, you are setting yourself up to be able to easily update to iOS 12.x in the future.

Preparing for the iOS 12.0 Upgrade

Okay, before you jump in, you need to prepare. This is a super important step to ensure everything goes smoothly. First up: Back up your data. This is non-negotiable, guys! Make sure you back up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud or your computer using iTunes. This way, if something goes wrong during the upgrade process, you won't lose all your precious photos, videos, contacts, and other data. To back up to iCloud, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap "Back Up Now." To back up to your computer using iTunes, connect your device to your computer and open iTunes. Click on the device icon, then click "Summary" and select "Back Up Now." Next, check your storage space. iOS 12.0 requires a certain amount of free space on your device to install. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage to see how much space you have available. If you're running low, delete any unnecessary apps, photos, videos, or other files to free up space. You can also offload apps (keep their data but remove the app itself) by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage and tapping "Offload App" next to the apps you want to offload. Also, ensure your device is charged. Make sure your iPhone or iPad has at least 50% battery life before you start the upgrade. Or, even better, plug it into a power source to prevent the device from running out of power during the upgrade process, which could cause problems. Finally, check your Wi-Fi connection. You'll need a stable Wi-Fi connection to download and install the iOS 12.0 update. Make sure you're connected to a reliable network before you begin.

Downloading and Installing iOS 12.0

Alright, you've prepped your device, and now it's time to get that upgrade rolling. Here's how to download and install iOS 12.0: First, connect your device to a Wi-Fi network. Then, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your device will check for available updates. If iOS 12.0 is available, you'll see it listed here. Tap "Download and Install." You'll be prompted to enter your passcode if you have one. Then, you will agree to the terms and conditions. Next, the update will download, and you'll see a progress bar. The download time will vary depending on your internet speed. Once the download is complete, you'll be prompted to install the update. Tap "Install Now." Your device will restart and begin the installation process. Don't interrupt this process. It may take a while, so be patient. Your device will show a progress bar during installation. Once the installation is complete, your device will restart again. And, voila! You should now be running iOS 12.0. You can verify this by going to Settings > General > About. Then, you can enjoy all the new features and improvements of iOS 12.0.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don't go perfectly, and that's okay. Here's how to troubleshoot common issues that might pop up during the upgrade process. First, the update won't download. Double-check your Wi-Fi connection. Make sure you have enough storage space on your device. Try restarting your device and trying again. If the issue persists, try resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset your Wi-Fi passwords and other network settings, which might help resolve the issue. Next, the installation gets stuck. If the installation gets stuck on a particular step (like the progress bar freezing), try restarting your device. Press and hold the power button until the power-off slider appears. Then, drag the slider to turn off your device. After a few seconds, press the power button again to turn it back on. If the issue persists, you may need to restore your device using iTunes. Connect your device to your computer, open iTunes, and click "Restore." This will erase all the data on your device, so make sure you have a backup. Also, battery drain after the upgrade. Some users experience increased battery drain after upgrading to a new iOS version. This is often due to background processes and indexing. Give your device a few days to settle down, and the battery life should improve. You can also try adjusting your device's settings to optimize battery life, such as reducing screen brightness and turning off background app refresh. And lastly, Wi-Fi problems after the upgrade. If you experience Wi-Fi issues after the upgrade, try resetting your network settings (as mentioned above). You can also try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and rejoining it. You may also need to update your Wi-Fi router's firmware.

What to Do After the iOS 12.0 Upgrade

Okay, so you've successfully upgraded to iOS 12.0. Congratulations! Now what? Well, here are a few things to do to ensure a smooth transition and get the most out of your updated device. First, explore the new features. iOS 12.0 is packed with new features, so take some time to explore them. Check out the new notifications, screen time tracking, and ARKit features. Experiment with the camera and photo editing tools. There's a lot to discover! Next, update your apps. Go to the App Store and update all your apps to the latest versions. This will ensure that your apps are compatible with iOS 12.0 and that you get the most recent features and bug fixes. Also, review your settings. Take a look at your device's settings and make sure they're configured the way you like them. This includes settings for notifications, privacy, and battery life. Customizing your settings can help you optimize your device's performance and experience. Check your iCloud storage. Make sure your iCloud storage is sufficient for backing up your device. If you're running low on space, you may need to upgrade your iCloud storage plan or delete unnecessary files. Don't forget to enjoy your device. With iOS 12.0, you will experience a faster, more secure, and feature-rich experience. Take some time to enjoy the improved performance and all the new features that come with it.

Conclusion: Your iOS 12.0 Adventure

And there you have it, guys! We've covered the ins and outs of upgrading from iOS 7.1.2 to iOS 12.0. It might seem like a daunting task, but if you follow these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of a modern operating system on your older device. Remember to back up your data, prepare your device, and be patient during the upgrade process. Upgrading to iOS 12.0 is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your iPhone or iPad, giving you access to new features, improved performance, and enhanced security. Take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the adventure! If you encounter any issues during the upgrade process, don't hesitate to consult Apple's support resources or seek help from online forums and communities. Happy upgrading, and enjoy your updated iOS experience!