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PC-Free Updates and Wi-Fi Sync
Before the recent OS update, when Apple had a new upgrade for your iPhone operating system, you had to connect your iPhone to your computer and go through a convoluted procedure to approve and initiate the upgrade’s download and installation. A bit of a pain, if you asked me.
That all changes with iOS 5. One of the key features of this upgrade is that it removes the cable, at least in terms of future OS upgrades. That is, with iOS 5, future operating system updates are now handled automatically and wirelessly, over your Wi-Fi connection. Apple calls it PC Free, and it means you no longer have to connect your iPhone to your computer to update things – or to do anything else, for that matter.
Which leads us to a related new feature, dubbed Wi-Fi Sync. This feature automatically syncs the data on your iPhone with that on your computer, without you needed to physically connect the two together. All you have to do is make sure both your iPhone or iPad and your computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then, the next time your mobile device is plugged into a power source, Apple automatically syncs your data and other content. This means your contacts, appointments, and other data are always up-to-date, no cables necessary.