iOS 15 comes to your iPhone Monday: Download time and how to install Apple's new software

© Provided by CNET We'll tell you everything you need to know about getting the new software on your iPhone and iPad. Sarah Tew/CNET

iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 will be ready to download and install on your iPhone and iPad this Monday, Sept. 20, Apple announced during its iPhone 13 event this week. It also introduced the new iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Mini -- all available for preorder now -- and its newest iPad, iPad Mini and Apple Watch Series 7. The software updates come with an array of new features for iPhones and iPads. 

© Apple

iOS 15 is here. Well, almost. We'll tell you everything you need to know. 

Apple added new FaceTime features that, for the first time, will let Android and PC users participate, and iMessage improvements that make it easier to track links and photos your friends have sent. The iPad is getting a complete home screen makeover, and multitasking is finally receiving the boost it's needed for years.

Below, we'll explain how to install iOS 15 on your iPhone and iPadOS 15 on your iPad once it's time. For now, make sure to get your devices ready ahead of time -- we'll tell you how to do that, too. 

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Get your iPhone or iPad ready before installing the update

Before you install the latest update, take a few minutes to do some routine maintenance on your iPhone or iPad. Not only will it help ensure a smooth update, but you'll free up storage in the process, and you'll have a fresh backup at the ready should anything go wrong when you install the update. 

Make sure to clear out any clutter, such as photos and apps you don't need anymore, to free up storage on your phone. If you haven't done so recently, you'll also want to create a fresh backup so you don't lose anything important on your device. (Here's a guide that'll walk you through how to do it all.) Once you've done this, your phone and iPad will be ready for iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

Will iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 work with my iPhone and iPad?

Apple published a list of devices that will receive the update when it's available. It's easy to figure out if your device will run the new operating system for its platform. If your iPhone is running iOS 14 right now, then you'll be able to install the update. Here are all of the compatible devices:

How to install iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 when it's time

Once the update goes live on Monday -- Apple usually launches updates around 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. BST) -- you'll install it just like any other software update. It's a good idea to have your device plugged into a charger to ensure that the update doesn't drain the battery, and a strong Wi-Fi connection will help speed up the process without burning through your data plan. On an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Select General. 

3. Tap Software Update. 

Your device will connect to Apple's servers and prompt you to download and install the update. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. When your device reboots, it will be running iOS 15. Follow the same steps with an iPad to update it to iPadOS 15.