iOS 6 Is Out Now: Here’s What to Do First

Apple is starting to roll out iOS 6 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The new version of the OS brings lots of new features — including Apple’s brand new Maps app, deep integration with Facebook and enhancements to Siri.

As with iOS 5, Apple is making the the update available as an over-the-air (OTA) download. If you don’t have access to the download now, check again in a few minutes.

Users will also have the option of upgrading from within iTunes, if you prefer that method.

Before downloading and installing the update, there are a few housekeeping items you might want to take care of first.

• Download the latest version of iTunes 10.7 — This will add iOS 6 compatibility to your software
• Back up your photos and important files. Even if you use iCloud, consider doing a full backup in iTunes, just in case.
• If you don’t already have a copy of your contacts and calendars on your Mac or PC, go ahead and back those up too.
• Find your power. Apple won’t let you update your device if you don’t have a minimum amount of power. The updates are fairly large, at over 500MB per device — so go ahead and plug into some power before starting the update.

Apple tends to do fairly well with OTA updates but problems can happen. If you don’t need to have iOS 6 right this second, waiting a few hours for the update isn’t a bad idea.

Are you able to download iOS 6? Let us know how your upgrade is progressing!