For those of you not due for a mobile upgrade -- and not willing to shell out hundreds for the new iPhone 6 -- but want the latest Apple software, the time is nigh.

Apple is set to release to the public this week its latest mobile operating system, iOS 8. The date has not yet been confirmed, but The Mirror believes it will be available for free download on Sept. 17, two days ahead of the iPhone release.

The California-based tech giant has been releasing beta versions of iOS 8 all summer and last week sent out its Gold Master, the final version before public release, indicating iOS is close.

Up to this point the software has only been available for download to developers but has gotten some glowing reviews.

"(IOS 8 feels) very modern and futuristic," said Mike McCue, co-founder of the Flipboard social news apps, who has been using iOS 8 for months, according to USA Today. "It's about things working better now. It goes deeper than just the looks. It's about the feel of the iOS experience."

The new operating system isn't expected to be as big a change as last year's version, which drew criticism for new graphics and reduced battery life. The new features in iOS 8 include creating audio text messages, improved predictive typing on the keyboard and the ability to use Siri for assistance within apps.

The iOS 8 update is available on iPhone models as far back as the 4s; iPads from the 2; and iPod Touch from the fifth-generation device. Apple users are advised to back up photos, videos and contacts before downloading the software.

In order to get iOS 8, users will need 1GB of free space on their device and a Wi-Fi connection. The download could take a while as iOS 8 is first made available because of server traffic.