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iOS 8.1.2: Worth Upgrading?

iOS 8.1.2 Worth Upgrading?

published by Chand Bellur
December 17, 2014 at 7:14 p.m. PST

Shortly after releasing iOS 8.1.1, Apple has followed up with a new patch to fix an issue with missing iTunes ringtones. This article details why it is worth upgrading to iOS 8.1.2.

The iOS 8.1.2 release didn’t go smoothly for everyone. Some users found that the new iOS patch removed their iTunes ringtones. There are also rumors that Apple has introduced much-needed Bluetooth fixes into 8.1.2. This is not surprising. Tech companies often quietly fix bugs in order to avoid criticism and notoriety.

Sometimes tech writers don’t read all of the statements that Apple releases. With every iOS release, Apple seems to add a few security patches, which are largely disregarded by the blogosphere. They’re missing out. Bloggers could manufacture whole new Apple-gates out of these rather mundane security fixes. It always amazes me that some minor issues go viral and become a new Apple-gate, while other bigger issues are ignored.

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Installing iOS 8.1.2

iOS 8.1.2 is a very small release. Apple can’t be fixing many externally-undocumented bugs, as the release is only about 16 MB. That said, 16 MB is too big to just fix deleted ringtones and add a few security updates. If you install this update during off-peak hours, you should be up and running within 15-30 minutes, depending on the speed of your network and device.

There are no configuration screens displayed upon startup. After confirming the legal agreement, you can let the process run. Your device will default to the lock screen when the patch has been installed. For more information on upgrading iOS, please read “How to Upgrade iOS“.

iOS 8.1.2 Fixes Issue With Missing iTunes Ringtones

If you bought ringtones from iTunes, only to have them disappear after upgrading to iOS 8.1.1, don’t despair. The primary focus of 8.1.2 is to restore missing ringtones on customers’ devices. This fix seems to have worked.

It is actually possible to create your own custom ringtones with music in your iTunes Library. For more information, please read “Create an iPhone Ringtone with iTunes“. These are free and, if Apple accidentally deletes them, you can always add them back.

If you still do not have your ringtones after upgrading, visit Apple’s website. They have developed a web-based tool to restore these ringtones.

iOS 8.1.2 May Quietly Fix Bluetooth Issues

I asked people on Google+ if they had any issues with iOS 8.1.1. For me, everything was working almost perfectly, apart from a one-time problem with my iPad unexpectedly going into portrait mode. One iOS user complained that his Bluetooth headphones were continually being disconnected, requiring user intervention. It appears that Apple may have quietly fixed this issue, perhaps to avoid a Bluetooth-gate. I recommend users experiencing Bluetooth problems upgrade to iOS 8.1.2 as soon as possible.

iOS 8.1.2 Portait Bug

I experienced a small, cosmetic issue with iOS 8.1.2. My iPad is locked in landscape mode. After using an app that only runs in portrait mode, the background on my iPad remained in portrait mode. The dock and icons were in the correct landscape orientation. After launching the App Switcher and going back to the home screen, the problem was fixed. This is a minor, cosmetic issue and should not dissuade anyone from upgrading to iOS 8.1.2. It has only happened once. I used the same app that only works in portrait mode, and didn’t experience the issue again.

iOS 8.1.2 portrait mode bug

iOS 8.1.2 Security Fixes

It always surprises me that most of the blogosphere glosses over the security fixes in every iOS release. Apple is quite transparent about the security content of updates. This is a veritable goldmine for bloggers looking to start the next Apple-gate. Perhaps security fixes are too wonky for most people to get excited about. Most of the Apple-gates revolve around material issues that make for “awesome” viral videos.

iOS 8.1.2 fixes some vulnerabilities that were never exploited. These issues were found by technical experts. One fix corrected an issue with the website cache not being fully cleared after leaving Private browsing mode. There was also a lock screen bug that was remedied in iOS 8.1.2. It was possible for an attacker to exceed the maximum number of failed Passcode attempts. This could not be done remotely. The attacker would have to physically possess the device. It was also possible to access the Photo Library by manipulating the lock screen.

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There are a few other security issues that have been fixed in iOS 8.1.2. You can view these updates on Apple’s website. They’re quite transparent and honest about security flaws. Of course, they have to keep quiet about them until they are fixed. It’s in the best interest of customers.

iOS 8.1.2 Battery Life

I haven’t experienced any issues with diminished battery life in iOS 8.1.2. After a few days of testing the release, battery life is normal. I did notice that iOS 8.1.1 improved battery life on my iPad 2. I continue to enjoy this same, long battery life with iOS 8.1.2.

iOS 8.1.2 Disabled WiFi

As with every iOS release, the process of installing the upgrade can sometimes cause a vulnerable WiFi module to fail. The WiFi module may have become weakened due to damage or a manufacturing defect. The heat involved in downloading and upgrading a new iOS release can sometimes cause WiFi to be permanently grayed out. After a quick Google search, I found a few users who experienced disabled WiFi after the upgrade.

Some users have been able to fix WiFi by manipulating network settings. Others find that their device no longer has working WiFi. For more information on this issue, including how to possibly restore WiFi, please read “Fix Grayed Out iPhone WiFi“.

iOS 8.1.3 Coming Soon

The saga of iOS 8 continues. Apple is already testing iOS 8.1.3. Apple has released several patches to remedy numerous bugs. I actually find iOS 8 to be a higher quality release than iOS 7. It took about 6 months for iOS 7 to become a quality release, by Apple standards. This means that app crashes should be extremely rare — almost non-existent. After iOS 8.1.1 was released, I haven’t had any serious issues or a single app crash. I use iOS 8 at least 30 hours a week. Nonetheless, iOS 8.1.3 will be released soon, bringing iOS 8 a bit closer to perfection. In the meantime, I strongly recommend upgrading to iOS 8.1.2. It fixes a few defects, improves security, and doesn’t seem to introduce regressive bugs.

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