iOS 8.2 Release Date: What Not to Expect

Weeks ago, Apple rolled out the upcoming iOS 8.2 update for iPhone and iPad into its beta program ahead of a public release. At some point, the update will arrive to replace iOS 8.1 and with iOS 8.1.1 problems swirling around, iPhone and iPad users are curious about when the roll out will take place. Here, we want to help set iOS 8.2 release date expectations for those dealing with iOS 8 issues as we explore Apple’s next big update.

The iOS 8.0 update was first released to the public in September alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The update, which replaces iOS 7, is not a huge jump from last year’s operating system. Instead, iOS 8 builds on the foundation left behind by last year’s changes adding new features, enhancements, fixes, and more to owners of select iPhones and iPads.

In addition to these features, the iOS 8 update also delivered a series of iOS 8 problems to iPhone and iPad users. Over the past two and a half months, Apple’s worked to fix those iOS 8 problems through a series of updates. First, we saw iOS 8.0.1. Next, it was iOS 8.0.2 and iOS 8.1. Then, last month, Apple pushed out iOS 8.1.1.

iOS 8.1.1 is still Apple’s current version of iOS 8 though it appears that the company will, at some point, replace it with another version of iOS 8. Weeks ago, Apple quietly released the iOS 8.2 update into its beta program for testing purposes. It’s an interesting development given that we didn’t see an iOS 7.2 update arrive ahead of iOS 8.

With interest in Apple’s iOS 8.2 update for iPhone and iPad rising, and an iOS 8.1.2 update now available, we want to take a look at what we don’t expect from the iOS 8.2 release date including a look at the release itself and the features that iOS 8.2 may not bring to owners of iOS 8 powered devices. Here’s what not to expect from Apple’s upcoming iOS 8.2 release date.

iOS 8.2 Release Date This Year

The first thing you should not expect from the iOS 8.2 release date for iPhone and iPad is a release this year. It’s clear, at least to us, that the update is heavily tied into Apple’s upcoming Apple Watch release. The update landed alongside an Apple Watch API for developers. Apple will most likely release this update ahead of the Apple Watch release but we’d be surprised if it released it several months ahead of its new hardware.

The Apple Watch release date is confirmed for early 2015 and is rumored for the spring. The company typically rolls out software updates a few days before new hardware arrives (see: iOS 8.0 and the iPhone 6 and iOS 8.1 and the iPad Air 2) and we don’t expect anything different here. Remember, Apple’s iOS updates that land in beta tend to stay in the beta process for a number of weeks, especially bigger updates like iOS 8.2.

With the holidays coming up and with iOS 8.1.2 now available on the iPhone and iPad, we simply don’t see Apple releasing any new software in December. Look for the beta process to carry over into next year as Apple prepares for the arrival of its brand new hardware.

Tons of New Features

Do not expect iOS 8.2 to deliver a ton of new features. The iOS 8.2 update will be a crucial upgrade because it should deliver Apple Watch support to older devices. We don’t expect much beyond that though. Bug fixes, security upgrades and maybe some enhancements but don’t expect the update to introduce tons of new features that reshape the iOS 8 update.

Those looking for a huge upgrade to iOS and iOS 8 will want to keep an eye on iOS 9, the update that will reportedly arrive to replace the iOS 8 update sometime next year. Rumors also indicate that Apple’s planning an iOS 8.3 update for next year though specific details about the iOS 8.3 release remain shrouded in mystery.

No iOS 8 Problems

Do not expect this update to cure every single iOS 8 problem that’s emerged over the course of the last couple of months. iOS 8.2 will almost certainly come with bug fixes to help stabilize the software but it won’t fix everything. iOS updates, even massive bug fixers like iOS 8.1, never do. Bugs will linger all the way up until the release of iOS 9 when even more bugs will emerge. It’s a cycle that you need to be aware of.

Apple’s updates that pass through the beta program tend to be more stable than updates that don’t. So we’re expecting iOS 8.2 to come out of the beta program without any major issues that need immediate attention. That said, you’ll still want to prepare as though it will deliver some smaller problems to your iPhone or iPad.

Our list of common iOS 8.1.1 problems and fixes is a great starting point and it will help you prepare. Most of you won’t encounter any serious issues with iOS 8.2. But if you do, this list of fixes could come in handy.

No Need to Be Prepared

While iOS 8.2 should be a smaller update than the likes of iOS 8.0, don’t expect to be able to get away with not preparing for its arrival. The rules that we detailed of the iOS 8.1.1 release still apply. The more prepared you are, the better off you’ll be post update.

Point is, don’t brush iOS 8.2 off just because it’s not a major update like an iOS 8 or iOS 9. There is still a whole lot of potential for this update to cause problems.

Major Installation Issues

We do not expect to see the same widespread installation issues that plagued the iOS 8.0 upgrade. Apple’s servers tend to get slammed on the release day for  major iOS updates but rarely, if ever, do they get slammed during the release of an incremental iOS update. iOS 8.2 is a larger incremental upgrade to iOS 8 but it’s still not going to garner the same kind of attention from owners of older devices.

Updates like iOS 8.2 are typically smooth sailing for iPhone and iPad users. Even iOS 8.1′s installation process was pretty reasonable. So don’t go into the iOS 8.2 release date thinking you’re going to run into a zillion problems right off the bat on day one. Instead, you should be able to get the software on board in a sane amount of time.

Surprises

Do not expect many, if any, iOS 8.2 release surprises. What we mean by that is, don’t expect Apple to keep a ton of iOS 8.2 features out of view during the beta. Don’t expect Apple to release the update on a weekend or in the evening in the United States. Don’t expect to fix every single iOS 8 bug. Don’t expect the update to be perfect. We don’t expect Apple to stray too far from the script.