iOS 7.1.2 Update Breakdown (Round 2)

Last week, Apple released its second update to the iOS 7.1 update that it rolled out back in March. The update, which arrived as version iOS 7.1.2, replaced iOS 7.1.1 and delivered a trio of bug fixes to iPhone and iPad users. As we push further away from its release, we’re still seeing new details and iOS 7.1.2 problems emerge. With those in mind, we want to take another look at Apple’s latest iOS update.

All the way back in March, Apple released a brand new iOS 7 update in the form of iOS 7.1, an update that brought fixes for iOS 7 problems in addition to design tweaks and performance enhancements for iPhone and iPad users, particularly those with older models like the iPhone 5, iPhone 4s and iPhone 4. Of course, like all iOS updates, iOS 7.1 also brought some problems along with it, problems that Apple is attempting to iron out ahead of the iOS 8 update this fall.

In April, Apple released iOS 7.1.1, a small bug fix update aimed at alleviating some of these initial iOS 7.1 problems. The update, which delivered several key bug fixes, also managed to bring some problems of its own. And these lingering iOS 7.1 problems and iOS 7.1.1 issues likely prompted Apple to conjure up another iOS 7.1 update.

Last week, in a bit of a surprise, Apple released iOS 7.1.2, a new update to the iOS 7 operating system and one that brought three fixes to the table including one for an encryption problem with mail attachments. The update is small, just over 20MB in size, and is available to all iOS 7 users Over-the-Air or through iTunes.

The iOS 7.1.2 update has been available for over a week now and we’re still seeing new and important details continue to float to the surface for owners of Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. So as we head further away from the iOS 7.1.2 release and towards the iOS 8 release date, we want to take one final, in depth look at the important things iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners need to know about the iOS 7.1.2 update.

iOS 7.1.2 Review

iOS 7.1.2 has been out for over a week now and we’re still getting questions about its performance, about its installation process and about whether or not it’s worth the installation. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.

In the past week, we’ve spent considerable time with the iOS 7.1.2 update on four devices including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPad Air, and the iPod touch with Retina Display in an effort to answer those questions. So, before you decide one way or the other, we highly recommend checking out our four reviews to get a better feel for the iOS 7.1.2 update.

Remember, iOS 7.1.2 isn’t a mandatory update for the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. You can stay behind on iOS 7.1.1 or below if you want to.

• iOS 7.1.2 on iPhone 5s Review
• iOS 7.1.2 on iPhone 5 Review
• iOS 7.1.2 on iPad Air Review
• iOS 7.1.2 on iPad mini with Retina Display Review

iOS 7.1.2 Problems Continue

The iOS 7.1.2 update has been stable for a number of people. However, as the smoke has settled around its release, it’s clear that there are indeed some iOS 7.1.2 problems afflicting iPhone and iPad users.

One of the more common problems that we’ve seen in the days since its release pertains to the iOS 7.1.2 installation. Evidently, the iOS 7.1.2 installation is hanging for some users. Well, as we’ve pointed out, there is a quick fix should you run into this problem during the download. All you need to do is perform a hard restart. To do that, hold down the power button and home button for 10 seconds. This should dislodge the problem.

This, of course, just scratches the surface when it comes to iOS 7.1.2 problems. iPad users are complaining about issues with applications, slow battery recharging, problems with the calendar, issues with the Mail application, connection problems, sound problems, and more. These are just the tip of a fairly large iceberg.

iPad owners aren’t alone. In fact, iPhone users on iOS 7.1.2 are far more vocal about iOS 7.1.2 issues that have popped up since the update’s release. iPhone owners continue to complain about battery life problems, issues with Wi-Fi, problems with messages, trouble with wallpaper, the usual complaints about iMessage, and more.

There are a few things that are worth noting here. First, there are some potential fixes discussed in those forum posts. For general problems, a simple reboot or a reset to network or all settings will sometimes do the trick. If nothing works, it might be worth performing a hard reset and wiping the device clean. Just make sure you perform a backup first. You don’t want to lose precious files and photos.

We also haven’t noticed any major hero level issues that are impacting a majority of iPhone and iPad owners after iOS 7.1.2. All of these issues seem to be smaller and typical of minor iOS upgrades. And like we said, many of them appear to have fixes. We ourselves haven’t run into any major iOS 7.1.2 problems and it looks like most of these issues are isolated.

With iOS 8 just a few weeks out, it’s rumored for September, it’s possible that Apple will skip an iOS 7.1.3 update in favor of iOS 8. Major iOS updates always bring fixes of their own but as many know, they also tend to bring lots of problems.

iOS 7.1.2 Jailbreak

Finally, it’s worth pointing out that those interested in jailbreaking iOS 7.1.2 can do so via the untethered Pangu jailbreak.

While jailbreaking isn’t as popular as it used to be, there are still plenty of reasons to consider performing one on the iPhone and iPad. Jailbreaking provides improved customization and tweaks that simply aren’t found on the App Store. And while the process is a little tricky, we’ve got those looking to take the plunge covered.

As long as you can follow directions, our step-by-step guide will take you through the jailbreak process with Pangu. Be sure to set aside some time because it could take awhile to complete.

Keep in mind, while this jailbreak is completely legitimate, many users are coming across some issues. There are still some jailbreak tweaks that aren’t compatible with iOS 7.1 and later, so users will simply need to be patient.

Users have also been reporting that some apps are crashing, with Notes and Reminders being the biggest culprit. If you don’t use these apps, then you’re probably in the clear.