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iOS 8.2 Update: 10 Things to Know Now

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Believe it or not, it has been two weeks since Apple released the iOS 8.2 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. And in those two weeks, we’ve taken a close look at Apple’s replacement for iOS 8.1.3. With the smoke finally settled, we want to take a look at what we think iPhone and iPad users need to know now about Apple’s current version of iOS 8.

Apple confirmed the iOS 8.2 release for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch at the tail end of last year. The company didn’t put up a blog post or announce a specific release date. Instead, it popped the iOS 8.2 update into its closed developer beta program ahead of a public release. Apple isn’t known for announcing public iOS release dates ahead of time unless it has some hardware to sell. Earlier this month, the company took the stage to sell some hardware and iPhone and iPad users finally got their iOS 8.2 update.

Six important security fixes arrive in the iOS 8.2 update.

Six important security fixes arrive in the iOS 8.2 update.

The company’s Spring Forward launch event earlier this month revolved around the Apple Watch and its new MacBook though the company did slip in an announcement about the iOS 8.2 release date. Two Mondays ago, shortly after the conclusion of the event, Apple pushed out its massive iOS 8.2 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, an update that replaced its iOS 8.1.3 update from earlier this year.

iOS 8.2 is not your standard incremental bug fixer and that’s why we’ve been paying close attention to the update in the weeks after its release. While it does come with bug fixes, it also comes with a number of enhancements and new features. iOS 8.2 won’t serve as the bridge from iOS 8 to iOS 9 but it’s a substantial update nonetheless.

With two weeks under our belts, we want to take a look at 10 things we think you need to know about the iOS 8.2 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. This will cover the update itself, some smaller release details, and Apple’s future after iOS 8.2. If you haven’t been following along, this will catch you up to speed.

No, You Still Can’t Delete the Apple Watch Ad App

As the iOS 8.2 gets older, more and more people around the world are taking notice. In the past two weeks, we’ve gotten a ton of questions from friends, family and readers about the iOS 8.2 update and one of the most prominent questions has been: “What’s the deal with this Apple Watch application?”

The Apple Watch application comes stock with the iOS 8.2 update and it’s the app that will deliver support for the Apple Watch when the device arrives later next month. Thing is, not everyone is planning to buy the Apple Watch and there is currently no way to delete the Apple Watch application from your iPhone. That’s left some people steamed and others asking questions about iOS 8.2.

Use the iPhone app to see the Apple Watch sizes on your wrist.

Use the iPhone app to see the Apple Watch sizes on your wrist.

Here’s the deal. You still can’t delete the Apple Watch application. And while that’s annoying, you can easily move it into a folder, off your home screen, and out of sight. No big deal. We still don’t know if Apple will allow users to get rid of the application once the device arrives (it currently serves as a sort of ad on the iPhone home screen) and there’s a chance that it will remain on the iPhone forever. Apple hasn’t said either way. Install iOS 8.2 at your own risk, people.

iOS 8.2 Review: iPhone

We think it would be unwise to dismiss the iOS 8.2 update based on the presence of the Apple Watch application though. Especially if you’re dealing with iOS 8 problems on iOS 8.1.3 or below.

We’ve been using the iOS 8.2 update on a variety of devices including several iPhone models. So far, the iOS 8.2 update and its fixes and enhancements are treating our devices well. In particular, the iOS 8.2 update is very solid on the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 5.

Recently, we put together an iOS 8.2 review that will take you through our impressions and thoughts about the new update. It will also help to answer the question that’s probably burning in your mind: Is iOS 8.2 worth installing? Take a look at our iOS 8.2 reviews for iPhone, even if you’re installed the iOS 8.2 already.

iOS 8.2 Review: iPad

We’ve also been using the iOS 8.2 update on several different versions of the iPad including the iPad Air, iPad mini and the iPad 3. All in all, the update has been great across Apple’s slates though we recommend gathering as much feedback as you can before installing. To do that, start with our reviews and then branch out to other sites and forums before making a move.

You Can Still Downgrade to iOS 8.1.3

We assumed that Apple would plug up the iOS 8.2 to iOS 8.1.3 downgrade at the two week mark but it appears that the downgrade is still available for those that wish to move back to iOS 8.1.3. Two things to keep in mind before you do.

Apps run great on the iPhone 6 Plus with iOS 8.2.

Apps run great on the iPhone 6 Plus with iOS 8.2.

First, we put together a guide that will walk you through the process. Second, it’s impossible to predict when Apple will stop offering the downgrade so if you’re at all uncertain about iOS 8.2 and you want to have the option to move back down, you should probably make your move now. We typically see the hole close around the two week mark.

iOS 8.2 Jailbreak MIA

We still don’t know when or if developers will release an iOS 8.2 jailbreak which means those of you on iOS 8.1.2 and below will still want to avoid the iOS 8.1.3 update and the iOS 8.2 update.

We’ve seen some positive signs in recent days but a jailbreak remains unavailable and it’s not clear if we’re going to see one. Keep those fingers crossed and if you’re interested, keep an eye out for key developments.

Prepare for the Jailbreak Though

That said, we still recommend doing some prep work ahead of the iOS 8.2 jailbreak release. We’ve put together a guide that will take you through the process. This way, you’ll be prepared if developers do all of a sudden release an iOS 8.2 jailbreak. And there’s a very good chance that the release day will come out of the blue without much warning.

iOS 8.2 Problems

iOS 8.2 problems are plaguing some iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users. We recently detailed some of the problems hurting performance on some versions of the iPhone and iPad though Apple’s discussion forums continue to fill up with complaints about iOS 8.2 problems. Some of the loudest issues include problems with battery life, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. These are extremely common iOS problems.

iPhone-5

We’ve noticed a few issues on our iPhones and iPads but nothing substantial and as we’ve dug around, it’s clear to us that most of these iOS 8.2 problems are isolated rather than widespread. That is to say that a majority of iOS 8.2 users either aren’t dealing with problems or they aren’t taking to discussion boards and social media to complain.

Still, you’ll want to be careful. You always assume some risk when you’re installing a new iOS update, especially a big one like iOS 8.2, so you’ll definitely want to be pay attention. As a reminder, we put together a list of steps to take ahead of the installation process. Get a feel for those before you make your move.

Fixes for iOS 8.2 Problems

In response to those complaints about iOS 8.2 problems, we’ve rounded up the most common iOS 8.2 problems that we’ve seen and offered fixes for those problems. These fixes are a great starting point for those of you experiencing issues though they are not guaranteed to fix your problems.

You Can Try iOS 8.3 Right Now

If you’re in the mood for something newer than iOS 8.2, note that you can try Apple’s next major iOS 8 update right now. Apple’s latest iOS 8.3 beta 3 came with a public beta that’s open to people outside of the developer program. Yes, you can install the iOS 8.3 beta right now if you want but let’s be clear. This is a beta update which means that it’s not finished. It might have bugs, it might have issues, and if you’re not prepared for that, don’t take the leap. If you want to know more, here’s what you need to know right now about the iOS 8.3 beta.

iOS 8.3 Release Date Inching Closer

The new iOS 8.3 beta 3 hasn’t revealed anything about the public release but rumor has it, Apple will release at least one more beta (which means another public beta) before it pushes the update out to the public.

iPhone-5-2

It’s not clear when iOS 8.3 beta 4 will come out though Apple typically puts a few weeks between its beta releases which means that we could potentially see an arrival in March or early April. At the earliest.

A public iOS 8.3 release date hasn’t been rumored though with a public beta just getting started, we could still be a few weeks away (at least) from an iOS 8.3 release date.

iOS 8.3: Another Massive Update

Finally, iOS 8.2 users should note that iOS 8.3 is probably going to be just as big as iOS 8.2, if not bigger. The official change log isn’t out but thanks to the betas, we know that it will come with a large feature set.

Apple’s iOS 8.3 beta 3 reportedly comes with the new Apple Watch app that arrived with iOS 8.2, new filters for conversations in Messages, and a “Report Junk” feature that allows users to report messages from unknown contacts.

It’s also confirmed to have wireless support for CarPlay on board, better support for two-form authentication for Google apps like Gmail and according to 9to5Mac, it’s also going to bring some small changes to Emoji, links to the Mayo Clinic in the Health app, and Apple Pay support for China.

The company’s iOS 8.3 beta 2 arrived with new language support for Siri including support for Danish, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, and English for Indian users.And it should should also bring some improvements to Siri’s voice. That’s not all.

It looks like it will include some settings to make app downloads even easier and it appears that a new “Hey Siri” command will quickly put the phone into speakerphone mode. iOS 9 should be coming out later this year and it looks like iOS 8.3 could be the bridge between iOS 8 and whatever is next from Apple.

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