5 Reasons Not to Install iOS 8.1.3 on Release Day

With iOS 8.1.3 rumors swirling and a possible iOS 8.1.3 release date imminent, iPhone and iPad users dealing with iOS 8 problems are understandably excited about the prospects of another update. And while there is reason to be excited about Apple’s incoming iOS update, there are also some reasons why you might want to avoid installing new software on the iOS 8.1.3 release day.

At the tail end of last year, Apple released two new iOS 8 updates in the forms of iOS 8.1.2 and iOS 8.2. While iOS 8.2 went straight into the company’s beta program ahead of a possible release alongside the new Apple Watch in the weeks ahead, the iOS 8.1.2 update was released to the public to address iOS 8 problems.

iOS 8 problems have been prevalent since the operating system’s release back in September. And instead of sitting around watching the complaints grow, Apple’s been very proactive. iOS 8.1.2 was the company’s fifth iOS 8 bug fix update following in the footsteps of iOS 8.0.1, iOS 8.0.2, iOS 8.1, and iOS 8.1.1. And while the update did address some issues on board iOS 8, it failed to tackle them all.

iOS 8.2 will almost certainly be released sometime in the near future though rumors suggest that Apple will be delivering another update in the interim. That update is thought to be iOS 8.1.3 and thanks to a series of new reports, it looks like the iOS 8.1.3 release date could land as early as this week. Perhaps on Tuesday or Wednesday.

This news has iPhone and iPad users elated, especially those dealing with iOS 8 problems. There are, however, some reasons to think about avoiding the iOS 8.1.3 update on the day that it comes out. iOS 8.1.3 is expected to be a small bug fix update but small iOS updates can often have a big impact on the performance of iPhones, iPads and iPod touches. Here, we take a look at some reasons why you might want to skip it if and when it comes out.

You’re Already Getting Solid Performance

iOS 8.1.3 is expected to be focused on correcting some of the issues still lingering inside the iOS 8 operating system. And given its close proximity to iOS 8.1.2 and iOS 8.2, it probably won’t be fully stocked with bug fixes. We’re expecting a few but don’t expect it to be a massive bug fixer like iOS 8.1 was for iPhone and iPad last year. Don’t let that fool you though.

Small iOS updates can wreck havoc on devices and we often see iPhone and iPad users complain about a drop in battery life, Wi-Fi issues, broken Bluetooth, and more in the minutes and hours following an iOS updates release. While we can’t predict iOS 8.1.3’s future, we can tell you that there it’s possible some of you will encounter these problems, or others, after the arrival of iOS 8.1.3.

There is no way to completely protect your phone or tablet but there are a few things you can do. If you’re having a great experience on iOS 8.1.2 or below and you’re afraid of bugs, you can simply wait a day or two before installing. That will give you enough time to gather feedback (we’ll offer our own thoughts on the software) and gather information on potential problems and fixes.

You can also hold back completely. Apple doesn’t force you to install these updates so you can simply pass on iOS 8.1.3 and wait for a larger update like iOS 8.2 to arrive. iOS 8.1.3 probably won’t have a negative effect on a majority of devices but you can never tell. That’s why we typically recommend waiting for the smoke to settle before installing an incremental bug fixer like iOS 8.1.3.

You Haven’t Prepared

You can never be too prepared for an iOS update. Some of you might scoff at preparation ahead of a small update like iOS 8.1.3 but if you take the time to prepare, you have a better chance of avoiding problems once the update does arrive. We’ve put together a number of steps that we recommend taking before you install the iOS 8.1.3 update and many of you aren’t going to be able to get this done on day one.

Again, take your time, get your mind and your device prepared, and then make your move. This is likely going to be a minor update so there is no reason to rush into things, especially if you’re already having a good experience. Prepare your iPhone or iPad and then make your move.

If You’re Jailbroken

If you are jailbroken on iOS 8.1.2 or below, you do not want to install the iOS 8.1.3 update the second that it comes out. First of all, iOS 8.1.3 could patch up the exploits used by the current iOS 8.1.2 and iOS 8.1.1 jailbreaks. That’s not confirmed but these jailbreaks have been lingering for quite awhile now so we could finally see Apple engineers patch them up.

Instead, you’re going to want to wait until the coast is clear. That typically happens in the hours after the release. We recommend waiting a day for everything to play out before coming to a decision.

If you’ve been thinking about jailbreaking your phone or tablet, you’ll want to avoid iOS 8.1.3 for the same reasons. By staying on iOS 8.1.2 or below, you’ll have access to the jailbreak should you want to use it in the future.

If You’re Traveling

This might sound silly to some of you but we’re serious. If you’re traveling, do not install the iOS 8.1.2 on its release day because there could be issues that affect files and on board performance. This is going to be particularly troublesome for travelers who haven’t backed up their data.

If something were to go wrong, not having easy access to a personal computer or all of your information could make things extremely difficult. It’s also not smart if you’re taking valuable photos and video on your trip. You would not want those to get lost in the installation process.

If You’re Using Your Device for Work

If you are currently using your device for work or school and you have a huge project or meeting or something else to do on the day the iOS 8.1.3 update comes out, avoid it.

Exchange issues almost always occur after iOS updates and we’ve seen folks run into battery life issues with their work phone on days when problems are simply unacceptable.

Those who are using an iPhone as a work phone may want to hold off until iOS 8.1.3 bugs are established and until your company gives the go-ahead to install the software, something that may not necessarily come on day one. Those of you using apps for work or school might also want to think about holding off.

App performance sometimes takes a hit after minor iOS releases and iOS 8.1.3 may not be any different. We’ve seen developers, and Apple, do a good job keeping third-party apps stable update-after-update but there’s no way to predict how things will shape up post-update. If you’re at all dependent on these on the iOS 8.1.3 release day, hold off until you’re sure that your critical apps are stable.