It is difficult to comprehend how bright the future looks for Apple right now. Record earnings, stunning iPhone sales and the take off of Apple Pay represent incredible achievements. But there is one black mark that continues to surface and that is if you look into the past.
Owners of older iPhones and iPads continue to suffer a myriad of problems with iOS 8 and Apple is starting to give the distinct impression it would rather ignore them and move on.
The latest evidence came last night with the release of iOS 8.1.3, a release specifically focused on bug fixes but one which bizarrely chose to ignore the major Bluetooth, WiFi, battery and calendar problems that have affected older iPhones and iPads since iOS 8 was released more than four months ago.
Consequently within hours of the iOS 8.1.3 release familiar complaints once again flooded the Apple Support Communities forum.
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iOS 8.1.3 update overview
On the 43 page, 250,000 times viewed calendar support thread user JG in SB summed up the feelings of the many saying: “We are all pretty disappointed that Apple failed to fix this bug in the 8.1.3 iOS update. Everyone needs to keep relentless pressure on Apple to take care of this major issue quickly.”
Similarly on the 108 page long, 520,000 times viewed iOS Wi-Fi Problems thread user nazarite99 was just one of many to point out: “I did the update to 8.1.3 and it made no difference on the WiFi issue. I still loose [sic] connection.”
For context iOS 8 was released on 17 September and the calendar support thread began on 21 September while the WiFi problems thread began on 20 September.
While less dramatic, a user on a thread regarding out of order photos in iOS 8 affecting the iPhone 5S and earlier models which has run since 17 September and been viewed more than 55,000 times, contacted me directly to also confirm iOS 8.1.3 didn’t offer any fixes.
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So what does iOS 8.1.3 do?
In Apple’s own words:
- Reduce the amount of storage required to perform a software update
- Fix an issue that prevents some users from entering their Apple ID password for Messages and FaceTime
- Address an issue that caused Spotlight to stop displaying app results
- Fix an issue which prevented multitasking gestures from working on iPad
- Add new configuration options for education standardised testing
Of course these are all welcome, but the majority don’t compare in seriousness to the Bluetooth, battery drain, WiFi and time zone confusing calendar bugs plaguing users for over four months. Apple does point users to the URL http://support.apple.com/en-us/ht1222 for more information about iOS 8.1.3, but the update isn’t even listed.
Apple support page doesn't list iOS 8.1.3
All of which leaves something of a bitter taste in the mouth for long term iPhone and iPad users, especially as iOS 8.1.3 is now the sixth update to iOS 8 to ignore pleas being shouted very loudly from within the company’s own Support Community.
There is no denying 2014 has been one of the most impressive in Apple’s history and with Apple Pay and HealthKit maturing and the Apple Watch launch now confirmed for April it seems 2015 could be even better.
That said success isn’t only built by planning for the future, it also comes from respecting the past.
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