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iPad mini 2 iOS 8.1.3 Review: Two Weeks Later

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With an iOS 8.2 update rumored for March and an iOS 8.3 release probably even further out, iOS 8.1.3 should reign as Apple’s current version for several more weeks. There’s a ton of excitement about Apple’s two new releases but we continue to get tons of questions and feedback about the iOS 8.1.3 update. Today, we want to take a close look at the iPad mini 2 iOS 8.1.3 update’s performance at the two week mark.

Its been several months since the arrival of Apple’s new iOS 8.0 operating system. During that time, the company has remained extremely busy updating its new software with bug fixes aimed at tackling iOS 8 problems. iOS 8 problems have been problematic for many iPhone and iPad users and some iOS 8 bugs from the original iOS 8.0 update continue to plague some users. To tackle these issues, Apple’s released six iOS 8 bug fix updates and its shown no sign of slowing down.

At the end of last year, the company confirmed an iOS 8.2 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. That update remains unreleased though the few iOS 8.2 release date rumors we have point to an arrival sometime in March. Perhaps in the second week.

Apple’s also confirmed a new iOS 8.3 update for arrival. The iOS 8.3 update, which was released into the beta program earlier this week, is expected to be released sometime after iOS 8.2 and the Apple Watch. Apple did not offer a specific release date. With an iOS 8.2 update planned for March, we could be several weeks away from the iOS 8.3 roll out.

The company is also rumored to have an iOS 8.4 update in the works though it, unlike the others, hasn’t been confirmed. It’s not clear if the company will put that update into the beta program at a later date.

iPad Tips and Tricks - iPad mini

While the attention of some iPhone and iPad users has started to shift to these new iOS 8 updates, others are more concerned with the right now, the right now being iOS 8.1.3. iOS 8.1.3 is Apple’s sixth bug fixer and it’s an update that’s been lingering around for two weeks now.

Now that we’re at the two week mark, it felt appropriate to offer some extended comments on the performance of Apple’s current version of iOS 8. Today, we want to take a close look at the iPad mini 2 iOS 8.1.3 update, an update that we’ve been using extensively over the past two weeks. Here’s our iPad mini 2 iOS 8.1.3 review at the two week mark.

iPad mini 2 iOS 8.1.3 Review: Two Weeks Later

When I look at iOS updates, I like to look at five different areas: App performance, battery life, connectivity, bugs, and speed. These, at least to me, are some of the most important features on any iOS device and they are also areas that can change, sometimes drastically, after a minor update like iOS 8.1.3. Here’s how all of those are holding up on the iPad mini 2, also known as the iPad mini second-generation.

Apps

I have more apps on my iPad Air, I use it a lot more, but I still have around 50 or so applications on the iPad mini 2. I’ve been using all of them as much as humanly possible over the past two weeks and so far, all of them have performed nicely with iOS 8.1.3 at the helm. Even Google Chrome, an app that’s been giving me problems on the iPhone.

Apps like Asana, Slack, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Maps, Dark Sky, Gmail, Hangouts, Waze, GrubHub, and more all solid with iOS 8.1.3 at the wheel. This isn’t too surprising given that I’ve only run into small, isolated issues with apps on the iPad mini 2 after the move from iOS 7 to iOS 8. Developers have done an outstanding job thus far.

Gelaskins iPad mini Retina Skins

I obviously haven’t been able to test every single application on the App Store which means that there is certainly a chance that some apps are experiencing issues. Mine aren’t. If you are on iOS 8.1.3 and you’re dealing with some problems, try updating the app with the latest bug fixes. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling it.

If neither of those solutions work, contact the developer and give them some feedback about the problem.

Battery Life

I’ve never encountered abnormal battery drain on the iPad mini 2 in my year plus of use and I haven’t noticed any after two weeks with iOS 8.1.3 on board the 7.9-inch slate. It still offers excellent battery life, something that’s extremely important given that it’s a device that I typically use when I’m on-the-go. Again, I mostly use my iPad Air when at home.

In these two weeks, I’ve used a mixture of LTE and Wi-Fi to watch college basketball, play games, and get work done. I’ve used a ton of different apps and services and I haven’t seen anything odd happen with my battery. I’m still able to get a full day of use or more.

I haven’t seen many iPad mini 2 users complain about iOS 8.1.3 battery life, a sign that the battery is holding up well post-iOS 8.1.3 update. This doesn’t mean that you won’t run into battery life issues but it’s certainly better than widespread complaints about battery life issues.

If you do run into battery drain on your second-generation iPad mini 2, I suggest taking a look at our list of fixes. There’s a very good chance that one of them will help solve whatever is plaguing the tablet. Most of the time, it’s third-party applications causing the problems on board and not the iOS operating system itself.

Connectivity

While I’ve started noticing some Wi-Fi issues on the iPhone 6, I haven’t run into any on the iPad mini 2. Strange, given that I’ve been testing it on the same exact routers. The iPad mini 2 is still able to pull down a stable connection and solid data speeds when connected to Wi-Fi, something that is obviously essential for any tablet.

Bluetooth and AT&T 4G LTE are holding up at the two week mark. I haven’t seen any issues with either connection and I’ve been able to connect the iPad mini 2 to an assortment of Bluetooth devices. Most of the complaints about Bluetooth that I’ve seen are related to Bluetooth in the car. If you are having difficulties with Bluetooth in the car, try forgetting the connection on the device, resetting Bluetooth in your car, and then reconnecting.

If that doesn’t work, consult this list of fixes. These are guaranteed to fix broken connections but there is a good chance that one of them will work for your connectivity problems.

Bugs & Issues

I’m not going to call iOS 8.1.3 bug free but what I will say is that I haven’t stumbled into any problems, major or minor, during my two weeks with the iOS 8.1.3 update. It appears to be very stable.

iPad Air vs iPad mini -  7

I’ve heard about various iOS 8.1.3 problems on the iPad and it’s clear that some issues do exist. That said, most of them appear to be smaller issues that are isolated to just a few devices.

If you’ve moved to iOS 8.1.3 and you’re dealing with problems on the iPad mini 2, you’ll want to be proactive. I suggest taking a look at our list of fixes for common iOS 8 problems to start. From there, I recommend branching out to other forums in search for possible fixes and feedback from fellow iPad mini 2 users.

Speed

No problems here at the two week mark. The iPad mini 2 is still very fast and iOS 8.1.3 is smooth and buttery. Apps open quickly, folders open as soon as I tap them, and I haven’t seen any abnormal slowdown.

Is the iPad mini 2 iOS 8.1.3 Update Worth Installing Now?

If you are dealing with problems on iOS 8.1.2 or below, it’s probably worth the risk. iOS 8.1.3 comes with a few crucial bug fixes, including one for multitasking gestures on iPad, and incremental iOS updates always have a chance to fix issues that aren’t listed on the change log. Those of you that can’t find a fix for your problems should definitely consider a move. It’s a solid update.

If you aren’t dealing with problems, update at your own risk. iOS 8.1.3 is stable on my tablet but that doesn’t mean that it won’t bring problems to your iPad mini 2. With an iOS 8.2 release just weeks away, be cautious and gather as much feedback as possible before making your move.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Paul Robinson

    02/15/2015 at 10:56 am

    “These are guaranteed to fix broken connections but there is a good chance that one of them will work for your connectivity problems.”

    You assuredly mean “not guaranteed” to fix…

  2. ddd23

    02/17/2015 at 4:35 am

    retards

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