The iOS 8.2 is the biggest and most important update Apple has made since its original release in September. Not because it has arrived with Apple Watch support, but because it is the update that brings real focus through addressing flaws that made using iOS compatible devices a little challenging.
Along with Apple Watch support and Health Apps tweaks, the iOS 8.2 comes with stability enhancements and bug fixes that can make devices that run on iOS fairly usable again. This goes without saying that you can't view Apple Watch apps on devices that don't run on iOS. The core apps that receive stability enhancements in this iOS update include Mail, Music and the Flyover features in Map. Features like connectivity with iPhone hearing Aids and VoiceOver also receive refinements.
The iOS 8.2 addresses bugs including HealthKit bug which prevents users from adding a medical photo ID and importing and updating large amount of date; the 'GMT Bug' which causes calendar dates change time zones; and the 'Bluetooth Bug' that prevents users from hearing a call until it is answered.
Users that have tried installing the new iOS update give this piece of advice in dealing with a possible battery issue. If ever such a problem arises, turn off the newly added health tracking apps by going to Settings, then Privacy, followed by Motion & Fitness, and toggle off Fitness Tracking.
Users of iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches - devices that the iOS 8 is compatible with - will receive the update. Those that want to install it prior receiving the update can also do so by going to Settings > General > Software Update. This allows users to manually check for an update.
So should you update or not? It's early to tell now but initial hands-on reviews are positive especially that the update aids in improving performance speed of older devices. However, there are two nasty issues that users will have to deal with permanently - until Apple addresses them. One is Wifried, the bug that breaks wireless performance, lives on. Wifried affects the battery life, too. Another is the addition of non-removable app in the form of Apple Watch apps. Apple devices are already cluttered with non-removable apps and the absence of the Apple Watch apps in the list of installed apps makes it all the more devious.
Another iOS update can be expected this year as Apple is already beta testing iOS 8.3 and iOS 9. Rumors say that it will bring new Beats-based iTunes streaming which according to a tech columnist in Forbes will surely be classified as non-removable app.
As such, iOS device owners can't help but hope, that in between these series of updates, an app drawer will be featured to allow them to choose which apps to put on screen and bring Wifried horrible connectivity effect to an end.
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