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iPhone 6 iOS 8.1.1 Review

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Earlier this week, Apple finally delivered its brand new iOS 8.1.1 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The company’s new iOS 8 update is a bug fixer, aimed at squashing iOS 8 problems and improving performance. Over the past week, we’ve spent some quality time with Apple’s new software and today we want to share our full iPhone 6 iOS 8.1.1 review.

Several months ago, Apple rolled out its revamped operating system for iPhone and iPad, an operating system it dubbed iOS 8.0. iOS 8 is not the overhaul that was last year’s iOS 7 update but it still brings some important new features to the table including improved notifications, Apple Pay, changes to iMessage and the Camera app, a new keyboard, and a whole lot more.

The update also delivered iOS 8 problems to iPhone and iPad users around the world and over the past few months, Apple’s slowly chipped away at the issues plaguing its new software. First, it rolled out iOS 8.0.1, an update that fixed some issues but left the company red faced after cellular data and Touch ID blunders. Next, it pushed out iOS 8.0.2, a bug fixer that fixed the problems from iOS 8.0.1.

After that, the company released the iOS 8.1 update, an update that arrived with a number of fixes and Apple Pay but one that also delivered some new problems to iPhone and iPad users. So, it was only a matter of time before the company pushed out another iOS 8.1 update and on Monday, that update arrived in the form of iOS 8.1.1.

iPhone 6 Review - 6

iOS 8.1.1 is not a big update, it comes with fixes and enhancements, but as iPhone and iPad users know, small updates can have a huge impact on the overall performance of a device. That’s why we’ve been putting a tiny update through its paces over the past week and that’s why we want to offer up our thoughts on this update after extensive use.

Today, we offer up our iOS 8.1.1 review for iPhone 6, the company’s current 4.7-inch model and a device that’s currently in the hands of millions of people around the world. This review will attempt to answer the question that we’ve received many times over in the past week: Is iOS 8.1.1 worth installing? Let’s find out.

iPhone 6 iOS 8.1.1 Review

From Monday until today, I’ve spent a ton of time with iOS 8.1.1 on iPhone 6. The iPhone 6, after all, is my daily driver. Before getting into this detailed review and my impressions, I should note that mileage is going to vary from device to device, person to person.

That is to say, I probably don’t have the same apps installed and there’s a chance that I use Google Chrome, play more games, and use my home screen more than you do. So, consider this a general guide as you try to decide whether iOS 8.1.1 is worth installing on your iPhone 6.

Apps

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, app developers deserve credit for the amount of work that they’ve put in to ensure a smooth transition from iOS 7 to iOS 8. Bug fixes and iOS 8 compatibility updates have rolled out like crazy over the past two and a half months and those updates have bestowed a solid app experience on my iPhones and iPads. I’ve had a few crashes here and there, mainly with Google Chrome, but for the most part key apps have behaved well.

iOS 8.1.1 is no different. After installing the update on Monday, I’ve yet to encounter anything but the occasional crash in Chrome. Every other application from Facebook to Twitter to Instagram works like a charm. I haven’t seen any weird crashes or lockups with any other applications either. And while I don’t have the same apps as you, I do have a pretty extensive list that includes many common applications.

iPhone 6 Review - 3

As I’ve said before, it helps that the iOS 8.1.1 update spent several weeks inside the beta program. It gave Apple, and its developer partners, some time to prepare for its public release. Of course, app issues and other iOS issues have a funny habit of creeping up when you least expect it so I’m not in the clear just yet. Though, I will say, that being major issue free for a week is a pretty good sign.

If you do decide to install iOS 8.1.1 and you do encounter problems with third-party applications, you should consider installing the latest bug fix updates. They will almost certainly help deliver a better experience on your iPhone 6. I have auto update turned on so that I never have to remember to install them. You probably want to flip that on right now.

iOS 8.1.1 Battery Life

iPhone 6 battery life is excellent and has been since the device’s arrival back in September. None of the incremental iOS 8 bug fixers have had a major impact on my battery life and my hope is that this trend continues.

I’m still able to get a full day of use, or more, out of the iPhone 6 when using a combination of Wi-Fi and LTE. I am a heavy iPhone user and getting a full day is absolutely essential. iOS 8.1.1 has done nothing for me. I haven’t noticed any abnormal battery drain, I haven’t noticed any change in charging speed, and it still holds a solid standby charge. My only complaint is that it didn’t give me a battery life boost, something that I’ve seen iPhone 6 users reporting in the days after its release.

iPhone 6 Review - 4

If you’re struggling with iOS battery life in any way, and there’s a chance that your experience in iOS 8.1.1 will differ from mine, I’ve cooked up some fixes that could help you overcome those struggles. If you decide to install iOS 8.1.1, it’d be wise to have those handy because there are a few things there that really will help you get the most out of your phone.

Wi-Fi, LTE & Bluetooth

For the most part, LTE, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have been great. I did experience some Wi-Fi hiccups when I was on iOS 8.0.2 but iOS 8.1 eradicated those and I haven’t seen any issues since. iOS 8.1.1 is very solid when it comes to connectivity. I haven’t seen a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or LTE connection drop when it wasn’t supposed to. LTE and Wi-Fi have both been fast as well.

I’ve heard from several iPhone users that are dealing with Wi-Fi problems, cellular data problems, and or Bluetooth problems. If you do encounter these, in iOS 8.1.1 or something else, be sure to check out our list of possible fixes before throwing the device against the wall. You also might want to consider upgrading your router if you’re consistently having problems with Wi-Fi. Newer devices and new iOS updates have been known to present difficulties for those with older routers.

Bugs & Issues

My issues with iOS 8 on iPhone 6 are well documented. I’ve experienced iMessage problems, landscape problems and more in the two or so months I’ve owned this phone. I expected some initial problems though. New software, larger screen, recipe for trouble. I did not expect Apple to have to roll out four updates in two and a half months though.

On iOS 8.1, I suffered from the occasional iMessage problem and those landscape issues that continued to drive me nuts. Other than that, iOS 8.1 was extremely solid. My hope was that iOS 8.1.1 would fix the landscape issues, at the very least, and thankfully someone at Apple listened.

While it’s not listed in the change log, I’ve yet to get stuck in landscape mode when shifting from portrait. This issue used to happen more than a few times a day. It hasn’t happened once since installing iOS 8.1.1. I also haven’t noticed any major issues with iMessage, at least not yet.

iPhone 6 Review - 7

 

All in all, iOS 8.1.1 is a very stable update and I haven’t seen any major problems. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t bugs on board, it just means that none have jumped out at me on my device. After a week, that’s a good sign. If there are major bugs, I’m usually able to sniff them out after a few days or so.

iOS bugs do have a habit of showing up late so it’s possible that I’ll run into something a little later on this month. For the moment, iOS 8.1.1 appears to be a very stable update and that’s exactly what you want from an incremental iOS update. Again, if you’re dealing with iOS 8 problems, or if you upgrade and run into issues, have a look at our potential fixes.

Speed

I’ve never had a problem with speed. iOS 8 has always been extremely fast on the iPhone 6 and the iOS 8.1.1 update is no different. Animations and transitions are smooth and fluid and I’m able to zip around the home screens without any sluggishness or slowdown. That’s a big deal for me and speed is probably a big deal for many of you iPhone 6 users as well. iOS 8.1.1 is performing great in this regard.

Is iOS 8.1.1 for iPhone 6 Worth Installing?

If you’re dealing with iOS 8 problems, absolutely. There’s a good chance that the iOS 8.1.1 update could fix whatever issues you’re having. Apple didn’t list a fix for my landscape issues but they were fixed nonetheless. So, it’s worth a shot.

iPhone 6 Review - Colors

If you’re not dealing with iOS 8 problems on iOS 8.1 or below, you can take a wait and see approach if you’re nervous. iPhone and iPad users are complaining about iOS 8.1.1 issues but thus far, my experience has been very, very solid. This is the most stable iOS 8 update yet for iPhone 6.

7 Comments

7 Comments

  1. Larry

    11/22/2014 at 2:12 pm

    Got to say being a loyal apple guy since first iPhone had them all but iOS 8 is by far worse of all and very disappointed in apple the same ugly UI background just a bigger screen !! I just got the Samsung Galaxy note edge and I hated Samsung with a passion but I have to say it blows any iPhone away so I’m ditching Apple and my iPhone 6 plus gold 128 gb!! Now I see why android OS is better and you can do so much more UI background change keyboard change animated wallpapers and expandable memory heck the list goes on!! My note is 32 gb with 128 gb mini ad card gee more than my 6 plus and 3gb ram speed Apple still stuck on 1 gb ram yup good riddance Apple im sick of apples corruption updates in iOS 8 so many so soon ya I’m a fanbot call me what you like at least I’m not restricted to do what I want apples restrictions good buy!! Apple sucks!!

  2. Tim

    11/22/2014 at 5:35 pm

    Yesterday I went from an iPhone 4s running iOS 8.1 to an iPhone 6 running iOS 8.1.1. In over 24 hours I’ve seen a lot of changes.

    There are bugs. Strangely, I’m experiencing the same problem between the two diffrent phones: regular pop ups saying my voicemail password is incorrect and to enter the corect one. Now, I don’t use a password for my voicemail, so I don’t know where this comes from. It started on my 4s a week after downloading 8.1. I had no reason to expect it on a new phone with a new iOS.

    Battery life is awesome!

    I’ve had a couple issues with game apps since the change. My pool game will freeze up control even though the game itself still functions, and the game itself has all kinds of regular pop ups it didn’t have before, but that could be due to the game’s newest version that I installed upon activating my new phone.

    I wish Apple had fixed the video player from its inferior version. No buffer progress bar? The time counter doesn’t adjust with scrubbing? These are both necessary features in any video player.

    iOS aside, the one thing that’s bothering me about the iPhone six is the reduced bottom area lowers the screen and, therefore, the keyboard. It’s now harder to type while keeping a grip on the phone. Maybe a case to thicken it up will help when I get one.

  3. Kevin

    11/23/2014 at 4:06 pm

    Never had any problems with my iPad until I downloaded this iOS, now my apps, even facebook, despite being updated, keep crashing. If you haven’t downloaded this yet, stay away from it!

  4. Playuah

    11/23/2014 at 9:44 pm

    I’ve been with the iPhone shits. I just downloaded did shit and from all the bullshit you was saying really just mint this update didn’t do shit. FREE GUWOP

  5. Lotfi

    11/24/2014 at 10:11 am

    Since I update to 8.1.1 on my iPhone 6, I lost the predictive feature while texting.

  6. Larry

    11/24/2014 at 10:41 am

    @ playuah ya I hear ya apples updates suck as they com out they don’t do SHIT!! I was a loyal apply guy for years till now I got rid of apple and got my galaxy note edge and hated Samsung from rumors till now it’s the best!! Try that I sold iPhone on eBay for 1200 bucks lol I guess don’t judge a book by its cover Samsung is the best try the galaxy note edge you will be amazed you will never look at iPhones again!! I spit a hucker at Apple store windows

  7. Chardee Gutierrez

    12/03/2014 at 9:55 pm

    I have the iPhone 6 Plus and so far it’s been a pretty decent update, but one of the major problems I’ve been having is when awaking the phone from sleep mode, there’s a tinted blue screen that lasts for at least a second before displaying the lock screen.

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