“iOS 8.2 had better sort this out,” users say

Nov 22, 2014 11:57 GMT  ·  By
iOS 8.1.1 release notes (including the changes delivered in the original iOS 8 upgrade)
5 photos
   iOS 8.1.1 release notes (including the changes delivered in the original iOS 8 upgrade)

Despite rolling out an update packing only fixes for old-generation devices, reports regarding crippled Wi-Fi connections keep trickling in, drawing the media’s attention.

As this week draws to a close, reports are beginning to emerge that the iOS 8.1.1 release on Monday has failed to address ongoing problems with the new OS, including Wi-Fi connectivity issues.

Apple promised stability and performance

The release notes for iOS 8.1.1 clearly state that the update is meant solely for old-generation devices and that it merely mends crashes and other small bugs. Nothing is being said about other problems experienced by iDevice owners, but the new firmware is indeed available to all customers, regardless of their device type or model, including the latest iPhones and iPads.

Apple specifically said that “this release includes bug fixes, increased stability and performance improvements for iPad 2 and iPhone 4s.” The company then proceeded to direct customers to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222 for information on the security content of this update. The security side of iOS 8.1.1 is disclosed in a separate support document.

Even though Apple said nothing about attempting to fix other (specific) problems, reports are now coming in that customers are continuing to have connectivity problems on Wi-Fi.

What the users are saying

A user identified as Fenol on Apple Support Communities says, “In my household we own three Iphone 5. After updating them to OS8, two of them connected to WiFi without problem. But the other one only connects when it is 1 meter o near to the router. This problem has not been fixed by any of the following OS8 updates, 8.1.1 inclusive. I have tried all recommended fixes on the third troubled Ipohoneo and I still have the same issue.  WiFi connection in that Iphone seems to be a lost forever capability.”

Another one chimes in to say, “iOS 8.1.1 has caused me all sorts of problems so much so that if I want my WiFi network to work without dropping connections on all other devices hooked up to the network, I have to put my iPhone 5 and iPad Air in airplane mode. I spent so much time on the phone to my ISP when it turned out to be an iOS issue. iOS 8.2 had better sort this out.”

Some users claim to be enjoying a stronger Wi-Fi connection post-8.1.1, but these reports are far less abundant. The thread is 84 pages strong and has been visited for well over 30 thousand times. The reply count at the time of this writing was 1,258.

Apple isn’t known to be working on any specific iOS updates targeting Wi-Fi bugs, but it’s reasonable to assume that the company’s engineers are working on solutions as we speak.

iOS 8.1.1 update, iOS 8 promo (5 Images)

iOS 8.1.1 release notes (including the changes delivered in the original iOS 8 upgrade)
iOS 8 promo: MessagesiOS 8 promo: photos
+2more