Apple set to roll out over-the-air iPhone and iPad updates

Apple is to provide over-the-air updates to its iPhone and iPad users once the iOS 5 release debuts around autumn time, finally joining smartphone platform rivals Microsoft and Google.

According to a 9to5Mac report, iOS 5 will not be delivered this way but succeeding point updates will.

The report noted that the iOS-based Apple TV service is already able to update itself without the need to connect to iTunes, so the ability to do so must be built into the operating system.

However, Apple would have to make its current updates smaller if it wants to get mobile carriers to agree to push them out over the air.

The report also suggested that Apple is likely to set up a cloud-based backup system which would help in the event of any failed updates.

Over-the-air updates would theoretically make managing the update process for iOS much easier, and may appeal to business users who travel extensively and may not often have the opportunity to connect to iTunes.

However, there are pitfalls, as Microsoft found recently when its first Windows Phone 7 update malfunctioned. Around 10 per cent of users were affected by the problems, which caused some handsets to ‘brick'.

Apple and Verizon Wireless are already said to be planning wireless software updates for US customers.