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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.
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.