Apple has just rolled out the iOS 9.3.3 final release for the public on all compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. This is the most stable release of iOS 9.3.3 ahead of the highly-anticipated iOS 10 rollout in the fall.
iOS users with compatible hardware can now download the latest iOS 9 firmware manually, using the IPSW links and restore the same via iTunes. Alternatively, it is possible to install the new iOS 9.3.3 update via over-the-air (OTA) method by navigating to Settings > General > Software update and then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup.
Those who are unable to access the OTA update for some reason or cannot wait for the official firmware release in their country can go ahead and install the same manually, using our step-by-step guide below.
iOS 9.3.3 IPSW download links
iPad Air 2 (6th generation WiFi)
iPad Air 2 (6th generation Cellular)
iPad Air (5th generation Cellular)
iPad Air (5th generation WiFi)
iPad Air (5th generation China)
iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (CDMA)
Avid iOS jailbreakers are advised to hold back updating to iOS 9.3.3 as there are no working jailbreaks available for it. Nevertheless, non-jailbreakers and those who are willing to risk their existing jailbreaks can go ahead and try the manual installation method with IPSW download links as outlined below.
Device compatibility
The new iOS 9.3.3 update is supported on the following devices:
- iPhoneSE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone SE and iPhone 4s
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad 3 and iPad 2
- iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, Retina iPad mini, 1st gen iPad mini
- 6th generation iPod touch, 5th generation iPod touch
Those who are unable to install the update via OTA for some reason can use the steps outlined below to install the same manually via iTunes.
How to install iOS 9.3.3 manually via iTunes
Step 1: Connect your iOS device to computer with an USB cable. Now, launch iTunes and let it detect your device.
Step 2: Hit the device button to the left of the iTunes Store button in the top right corner of the app.
Step 3: Then click "Check for Update" and let iTunes search for latest available updates. If the new update is available, it will be automatically downloaded and installed on your device.
Step 4: Alternatively, if the automatic update fails, just click on Download and Update button. If the iOS 9.3.3 update is not yet available via servers, you can still download the appropriate firmware file using the download links provided earlier.
Step 5: Skip this step if iOS 9.3.3 was available in Step 3 or 4.
Download the firmware file for your device from the given links (above). Note: If you're downloading the firmware file using Safari then ensure that auto unzip feature is disabled, else you can use Chrome or Firefox.
Verify the model number of your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to download the appropriate file from the given links.
Once the file is downloaded, hold the Option key on Mac or the Shift key (Windows) and click "Check for Update". Ensure that you click on Check for Update button, and not the Restore iPhone button to avoid data loss and the hassle of setting up your device from scratch.
Step 6: Wait for the popup message informing you that iTunes will update your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch to iOS 9.3.3 after verifying with the Apple server. Finally, click the Update button and you will be redirected to the release notes page.
Step 7: Hit the Next button and then click the Agree button to view terms and conditions.
Step 8: Let iTunes download the firmware file and the download time could vary depending on your internet connection speed. Once the file is downloaded, let iTunes process and extract the files. Finally, the device will be prepared for the new update, ahead of the installation.
Step 9: Wait for a few minutes until the update is done, before you disconnect the device. Once your device is updated to iOS 9.3.3, it will reboot a couple of times for the changes to take effect. If the update is successful, a Hello screen should pop-up on the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to setup your device for first use.
