IOS 5 Release Date: New Operating System for iPad, iPhone

Oct. 12, 2011 — -- If you're reading this story on your iPad or iPhone, perhaps searching for "iOS 5 release date," well -- it's now, says Apple.

Apple has reinvented its operating system, promising 200 new features, and, in the process, changing the way users relate to the online world.

Steve Jobs, in his last public appearance in June, announced the advent of iCloud, a system that allows Apple users to store the things they need -- from messages to music, documents to downloads -- on Apple's own servers in the so-called "cloud" of the Internet. Gone are the days when you stored something on the hard drive of your laptop, and were frustrated when you needed it but didn't have it with you.

A few of the features Apple promises:

The number of clicks and swipes you need to make to do different things will be greatly reduced. Truth be told, many of these features already existed in apps made for Apple by outside developers, and versions can be found on Google's Android devices. But Apple's now put them in one place.

How to get iOS 5? Plug your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch into your computer with a USB cable. Launch iTunes, and then find the icon for your device on the left side of the screen and click on it. A box will appear, saying "Version." Click where it says "Check for Update" and then follow directions.