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iPad mini iOS 8.2 Update: Is It Worth Installing Now?

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Two weeks ago, Apple announced a brand new iOS 8.2 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. While many users have installed it, others are leery of Apple’s latest iOS 8 update. After spending a significant amount of time with the iPad mini 2 iOS 8.2 update in particular, we want to offer a definitive answer to the question burning in the minds of many users: Is the iPad mini iOS 8.2 release worth installing?

During its Spring Forward launch event for the Apple Watch and new MacBook, Apple confirmed the release of its seventh iOS 8 update since the release of iOS 8.0 back in September. The iOS 8.2 update was released to the public shortly after the event and since then, we’ve been taking a close look at iOS 8.2’s performance.

The company’s new iOS 8 update isn’t a standard incremental iOS release. While most incremental updates come with a few bug fixes and enhancements aimed at improving the software, iOS 8.2 delivered a huge change log full of feature enhancements, an Apple Watch application, and a laundry list of bug fixes aimed at solving some frustrating iOS 8 problems.

In the two weeks since the iOS 8.2 update’s arrival, we’ve been taking a look at the software across several popular devices including Apple’s second-gen iPad Mini, also known as the iPad mini 2. The iPad mini 2 is now a year old though it’s still on sale and in the hands of tons of people around the world.

We continue to get bombarded with questions from family, friends and readers about the iOS 8.2 update and the question that naturally keeps popping up is: “Is the iOS 8.2 update for iPad mini worth installing?”

Now that we’re more than two weeks removed from the iOS 8.2 release, we want to offer some definitive answers to those of you still sitting on iOS 8.1.3 and below. This iPad mini iOS 8.2 review at the two week mark will outline our current findings and hopefully help you come to a decision about whether to install now or wait for Apple’s next update which will presumably be iOS 8.3.

iPad mini 2 iOS 8.2 Review: Two Weeks Later

Before diving into the iPad mini 2 iOS 8.2 update at the two week mark, I should mention that mileage is going to vary from device to device. That is to say that I am just one person using one iPad mini variant. My habits are probably different than yours so you should treat this as a general guide to the quest for answers about iOS 8.2.

I encourage you to peruse feedback from other sources including your fellow iPad mini 1, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3 owners. Many people have taken the plunge already and they’ve taken to Apple’s discussion forums and social media to relay their thoughts about Apple’s current update.

Apps

I’ve owned the iPad mini 2 since its release back in the fall of 2013. And as I’ve noted many times, my iPad experience has been far more stable than my iPhone experience, particularly on iOS 8.

App performance in the past two weeks is on par with app performance on iOS 8.1.3 and below. My core set of applications include Google Chrome, YouTube, Slack, Asana, Google Hangouts, Twitter, Instagram, Dark Sky, ESPN, Xbox Smartglass, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Google Maps. All of those are working fine after making the move to iOS 8.2.

App stability might have something to do with the amount of bug fixes that have been released by developers in the past two weeks. I’ve downloaded and installed a ton of bug fixes since iOS 8.2’s release.

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It could also have something to do with the fact that iOS 8.2 spent several months in Apple’s closed beta process for developers. Either way, everything is fine on iOS 8.2.

While apps are working fine on my version of the iPad mini, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll behave forever. Apps have a habit of acting up weeks even months after an iOS release and I’m going to remain vigilant as time goes on.

If you already jumped to iOS 8.2 on your iPad mini and you’re experiencing issues with an app, you should install the latest bug fixes. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling the application. And if that still doesn’t work, I encourage you to reach out to the developer so that they can at least look into the problems that you’re seeing. You’d be surprised. Most developers are very receptive when it comes to complaints.

Battery Life

I’ve been using the iPad mini 2 every single day since its release. In the year since its release, I’ve yet to see any abnormal battery life drain. That goes for iOS 8.0 and that goes for iOS 8.2.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been using the iPad mini 2 as much as I can every single day of the week. I’ve been playing games, watching videos, and browsing the web. So far, I haven’t encountered any weird battery drain when in use or when the device is in standby. I don’t use the iPad mini 2 for work as much as I used to so a solid charge in standby mode is extremely important.

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I continue to see complaints about iOS 8.2 battery life on the iPhone and iPad but so far, I haven’t seen anything strange on my version of the second-generation iPad mini.

I can’t offer anyone a definitive fix for iOS 8.2 battery life issues but I can point to some resources that might help. I’ve put together a list of possible fixes for iOS 8.2 battery life issues that are worth a look. These fixes aren’t guaranteed to work for your iPad mini but they’re still worth a shot.

iPad battery life issues typically aren’t caused by iOS updates like iOS 8.2. More often than not, it comes down to a rogue application, horrible habits, or unrealistic expectations about battery life.

Connectivity

I own the 4G LTE model and I use it on AT&T. In the past two weeks, I’ve yet to encounter any connection problems when using LTE, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. AT&T’s network is still working fine, I’ve been able to connect the device to all of my regular Wi-Fi networks and I’ve also been able to pair it to numerous Bluetooth devices.

If you are concerned about connectivity or if you’re running into problems with LTE, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, I suggest taking a look at our list of fixes for common iOS 8.2 problems. Connectivity issues can pop up at any time on the iPad so it’s always smart to have a list of fixes in your head just in case something does go wrong in the near or distant future.

Bugs & Issues

iPad users continue to complain about iOS 8.2 problems though I still haven’t run into any myself. I’ve been digging for issues over the past two weeks and I haven’t been able to track down anything of significance.

While I’ve heard and seen complaining, most of the issues appear to be isolated rather than widespread. Several iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 1 owners I’ve spoken to say that the update is performing nicely on their tablets.

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The iOS 8.2 update probably isn’t bug free but I haven’t run into anything that’s hampered my experience in these past two weeks and that’s exactly what you want from a big incremental update like iOS 8.2.

I know that there are some iPad mini users dealing with problems and my only advice is to take a look at our fixes for common iOS 8.2 problems. They could help you get rid of them once and for all.

Speed

The iPad mini 2 is still fast and fluid with iOS 8.2. I haven’t seen any weird slow down nor have I run into any of the sluggishness that’s been plaguing my iPhone 5. I don’t expect this to change.

Is the iPad mini iOS 8.2 Update Worth Installing Now?

If you are dealing with iOS problems on iOS 8.1.3 or below, you might want to make the move to iOS 8.2 now. It comes with a ton of fixes, enhancements and after two weeks its still performing at a high level on my iPad mini.

If you’re on the fence about installing it, feel free to join me on the other side. I think the risk of this update causing problems on your iPad mini is extremely low. Don’t rush into it but there’s no reason to be scared of iOS 8.2.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Khairil Azwan

    03/28/2015 at 10:42 am

    Up date ios

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