Apple iOS 5 review

Every year since 2007 has seen a new iPhone accompanied by a new version of its operating system, iOS, and 2011 is no different. The iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5 pre-installed, but the new version is also available for older devices dating back to the iPhone 3GS and the 3rd generation iPod Touch, as well as for the iPad and iPad 2. This latest version of iOS 5 might seem little different from its predecessor iOS 4, but in reality a lot has changed. We're not going to attempt to judge all the new and modified features in iOS 5 – just the ones we think most significant.

PC-free setup and iCloud

One of the biggest complaints about iOS devices to date is that they had to be tethered to a computer for initial configuration. This can be tedious, not only for consumers, but for IT departments deploying large numbers of iOS devices. Thankfully, this is longer necessary thanks to a collection of features that Apple collectively calls PC-free setup.

An on-device setup assistant and iCloud means you no longer need a computer to configure your iOS device.

If you're upgrading an existing iOS 4 device, then this means little in practice at first since you have to download and install the iOS 5 update through iTunes on a PC or Mac. For devices that come with iOS 5 pre-installed, a new setup wizard appears the first time you turn it on guiding you through all the various configuration options, including restoring your settings from iCloud if you're upgrading from an older device upgraded to iOS 5 (more on this below).

Once that's done you may never need to connect your iOS device to your computer ever again. Future operating system upgrades can be installed without the aid of a PC, your settings and files can be backed up to iCloud rather than your computer and numerous tasks that used to require a computer, such as creating calendars or configuring Apple's AirPort range of wireless routers, can now be done in iOS. Apps and media purchased from iTunes can be set to download automatically to all iOS devices logged in with the same iTunes account.