Apple’s rapid release of iOS 13 updates continues with version 13.1.2. The new update addresses serious defects that may result in temporary component failure.
By Chand Bellur
October 1, 2019 at 10:12 a.m. PDT
iOS 13.1.2 Fixes Serious Defects
iOS 13 has only been out for a few weeks and the beleaguered OS is already on its third software patch. The troubled release is par for the course with a tech labor market stretched thin and a competitive push for more ambitious features.
At its core, the iOS 13.1.2 update fixes serious defects. It remediates a bug where the camera might not work. This is likely an edge case, difficult to reproduce both in QAT and beta testing. The new update also fixes an issue where the flashlight may not activate. Other defects include Bluetooth connectivity issues, unresponsive HomePod shortcuts and losses of display calibration data.
The update also fixes a small, arguably cosmetic defect with the iCloud Backup progress bar. Even though the backup completes, inaccurate user feedback about a vital process could be considered more severe than just cosmetic.
Is iOS 13 the Worst Release Yet?
Triskaidekaphobes may be vindicated with the iOS 13 release. Although it’s difficult to gauge whether this is the worst iOS release ever, it’s definitely up there. Every major iOS release has serious issues, but camera failure, bluetooth issues and serious security flaws seem to make this one of the worst.
Searching the web, myriad tech experts advise users to postpone upgrading to iOS 13. Kim Komando advises the following:
“all that excitement came crashing down once users actually got a hold of the update. A number of bugs, slowdowns and crashes have left iPhone owners stumped, and a new security issue has even prompted the Department of Defense to advise their staff not to download.”
The latter distinction sets iOS 13 apart from its predecessors. It seems like the first time a mission critical government agency has advised against installing a new, major version of iOS.
For those who have worked in tech at large corporations, this phobia of recently released operating systems is nothing new. It’s not uncommon for IT departments to delay rollouts of desktop and mobile operating systems until several patches are released. Some large software companies won’t upgrade to new versions of Windows until at least two service packs are released. It looks like Apple may end up in the same dubious dog house.