Apple issued a support document Wednesday night detailing a "workaround" on how to revert back to iOS 8 for those users that were affected by the release of iOS 8.0.1 earlier in the day, an update which incapacitated iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices.
Besides providing instructions on how to downgrade to iOS 8, the company noted that it is "preparing iOS 8.0.2 with a fix for the issue, and will release it as soon as it's ready in the next few days."
Everything started so well for Apple this week. After the launch of the company’s two new devices, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple revealed on Monday that this was the most successful iPhone launch ever, with 10 million units being sold during the opening weekend. The only thing that prevented Apple to sell more iPhones during that time was simply that they couldn’t make them fast enough. That’s a nice problem to have.
But then things started turning sour on Tuesday when the first reports of what is now commonly known and referred to as #bendgate emerged online. If the negative press about bendgate wasn’t enough, Apple shot itself in the foot on Wednesday when it released iOS 8.0.1, an update supposed to fix several bugs, but which turned out to be the biggest software release fiasco in modern Apple history.
With fanboys and Apple haters alike putting their own spin on both sides of the story, I thought I’d put some perspective to all this and share my thoughts on the situation.
Earlier today, Apple released iOS 8.0.1 which was supposed to fix a few bugs, but as users quickly realized, this update did more harm than good as it would disable cellular service and Touch ID on affected devices. We've already published instructions on how to downgrade back to iOS 8 for those users who downloaded and installed the update.
But for those who have only downloaded the update and not installed it yet, there is a way to delete it from your device and make sure you don't accidentally install it.
If you have just updated your trusty iPhone to the just-released iOS 8.0.1, chances are you may have ended up with a device that can't connect to the cellular network (shows No Service in the status bar) or read fingerprint data through the Touch ID sensor on the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. As you could imagine, social media is awash with complaints from disgruntled users who are venting their frustration over the cellular and Touch ID issues.
At any rate, your best bet is to steer away from this update until Apple address the situation and releases a fix. Not everyone is affected, of course, but keep in mind we have no real indication as to how widespread those issues are because Apple, at the moment, isn't talking much.
That's why we're asking you, our readers, to tell us whether iOS 8.0.1 has broken cellular connectivity and Touch ID for you.
Those of you who are affected by the iOS 8.0.1 update from earlier today still have the opportunity to downgrade back to iOS 8. Unfortunately, downgrading requires your iPhone to be connected to a computer, which might be an issue for many people, but this is still an option.
Warning: we are noticing that after installing iOS 8.0.1, our iPhones are showing 'no service' and Touch ID no longer works. We've confirmed this with several readers as well, so until we know more, we recommend holding off on the update. Video below.
Apple has released iOS 8.0.1 to the public this morning. The update comes exactly one week after the official iOS 8 release, and includes a myriad of bug fixes pertaining to third-party keyboards, the Reachability feature for newer iPhones, and uploading content in Safari.
Another notable item in the 8.0.1 change log is that the bug that prevented HealthKit-enabled apps from entering the App Store has been remedied. Apple says that it will now start approving HealthKit apps, meaning it shouldn't be too long before they start popping up.
Apple has provided carrier partners with a pre-release version of iOS 8.0.1, reports MacRumors. This means that, barring any major issues, the public release shouldn't be far behind, and it sounds like it's going to include a number of bug fixes.
According to the site, iOS 8.0.1 will address the bug in mobile Safari that causes some videos not to play, and one that prevents Passbook passes from being shared over AirDrop. It will also address an issue with installing VPN profiles, and more.
With four days until Apple's big reveal and the impending public launch of iOS 8, the Cupertino firm is already preparing the first iOS 8.0.1 update, BGR reported Friday. The software contains unspecified "further improvements" and Apple is going to seed it to its carrier and testing partners shortly. Note that BGR has a pretty solid track record in predicting carrier-related news.
Just recently, the site correctly claimed that the current iOS 8 Beta 5 would be the final beta released to developers ahead of a Gold Master. Indeed, the iPhone maker last month exclusively released iOS 8 Beta 6 to carrier partners for testing ahead of the iOS 8 launch.