7 Reasons Not to Update to iOS 8.1.2 Today

Apple’s iOS 8.1.2 release for iPhone and iPad is here and it arrives to fix lingering iOS 8 problems. iOS 8.1.2 is a small update, aimed at curbing problems, but that doesn’t mean that iPhone and iPad owners shouldn’t prepare for it. With that in mind, we want to walk you through some reasons why you might want to avoid installing the iOS 8.1.2 update today.

Back in September, Apple rolled out its iOS 8.0 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The update replaced the iOS 7 update from last year though unlike the iOS 7 update, it did not deliver massive design changes to Apple’s mobile products. Instead, the iOS 8 update built upon the foundation left behind by the iOS 7 update adding new features, enhancements and fixes for iOS 7 problems.

Apple’s iOS 8 update also delivered iOS 8 problems to iPhone and iPad users and over the past couple of months, Apple’s worked to fix those lingering issues. First, the company pushed out iOS 8.0.1. Then, Apple rolled out iOS 8.0.2. After a stint in the beta program, Apple pushed out its iOS 8.1 update that was chock full of fixes and introduced Apple Pay to iPhone 6 users. A few weeks ago, Apple released iOS 8.1.1 to tackle some of the ongoing issues and today, Apple replaced iOS 8.1.1 with its iOS 8.1.2 release.

iOS 8.1.2 is a tiny update for iPhone and iPad but it comes with bug fixes for iOS 8 problems which makes it a big update for those that are dealing with issues on iOS 8.1.1 and below.

Thanks to these fixes, there’s reason to be excited about the iOS 8.1.2 release. However, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to hold off on installing the iOS 8.1.2 update today. Here, we take a look at some reasons why you iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users might want to think about waiting to install the iOS 8.1.2 update.

If You’re Moving from iOS 7 and You’re Still Not Familiar with iOS 8

A vast majority of you are already on iOS 8. We realize this. However, what you must realize is that there is still a large percentage (40% or so) of people still on iOS 7. Maybe it’s because you’re scared or maybe it’s because you simply didn’t want to deal with all of the initial bugs that seem to emerge after every single major iOS release. Whatever the case, if you’re still on iOS 7, you should take your time.

Those of you that haven’t done any research on iOS 8 and its benefits should hold off until you’ve taken a look at all of the features that come with Apple’s new operating system. We highly recommend taking a deep dive into the iOS 8 update and the iOS 8.1.2 update before installing. Make sure you’re happy with what the updates are going to bring to your iPad and iPhone. iOS 8 may not look like a major update on the surface but there are some massive changes for key Apple applications and services that you’ll want to be aware of before you make the move.

We recommend taking a look at our iOS 8 review. It’s a great starting point for those of you that are still not caught up with all of the latest iOS 8 details and it should help sway you to one side of the fence or the other. We recommend reading other iOS 8 literature before deciding which way to go but our review should certainly help.

Those of you still on iOS 7 that have already become familiar with iOS 8, you’re probably good to go.

If You’re Unprepared

If you didn’t do any preparation for the iOS 8.1.2 release date, and many of you probably didn’t given the surprise release, do not install the iOS 8.1.2 update today, simple as that. If you haven’t had time to back up your data, clean up your device, get iTunes upgraded, or research iOS 8 itself, you will want to think about holding off until all of that is done.

Lucky for you, we put together an iOS 8.1.2 preparedness plan for those of you that don’t know where to start. This will get you prepared for your move up to iOS 8.1.2. Take your time, make sure you’re prepared, and your transition from iOS 8.1.1 or below will be so much smoother. You don’t need to follow every step but a little preparation will go a long way.

If You’re Traveling

If you’re traveling, do not install the iOS 8.1.2 update today 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 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 not at home, and near your home computer, we highly recommend waiting until you’re back. iOS 8.1.2 isn’t going anywhere and it will be waiting for you when you get back. In fact, depending on how long you’re gone for, you might actually encounter Apple’s upcoming iOS 8.2 update instead of the iOS 8.1.2 update itself.

You Don’t Want to Deal with Bugs

iOS 8.1.2 is yet another bug fixer for iOS 8 problems. It fixes at least one major ringtone issue and it has the potential to fix several other lingering iOS 8 problems on board iPhones and iPads. These incremental bug fix updates almost always tackle some issues but they almost always deliver some problems of their own. Just look at the iOS 8.0.1 update that broke Touch ID and cellular data for many iPhone users.

We haven’t discovered any iOS 8.1.2 bugs yet but that takes time. We’ve only been able to spend a few minutes with the software so far so there’s a chance that we, or someone else, will find something in the hours, days and weeks ahead.

Some of the more common iOS problems include abnormal battery drain, Wi-Fi issues and broken Bluetooth. These always seem to pop up after Apple’s big, and small, iOS upgrades.

So, if you are experiencing relative stability on iOS 8.1.1 or below, it might be worth holding out on day one so that you can get the lay of the land. Apple doesn’t force you to install on day one so there’s no reason to rush into it. Take a day or two to survey iOS 8.1.2’s performance and you’ll probably come out better on the other side.

If You Have Critical Apps

Many of you use applications to get through the school day or workday. And while developers have done a great job keeping their apps updated with upgrades and fixes for iOS 8, there’s always a chance that iOS 8.1.2 could cause some problems with third-party applications. And these problems that could interfere with whatever you have planned.

If you at all going to be reliant on apps for school or work during the week, it’s going to be best to hold off on installing iOS 8.1.2 until support arrives or when reviews prove that the coast is clear. Most third-party applications should be fine but it’s not worth the risk if you’re doing something extremely important for your job or your education.

If You’re Jailbroken

Do not update to the iOS 8.1.2 update today if you are jailbroken. If you’re using the iOS 8.1.1 jailbreak or another iOS 8 jailbreak, there’s a good chance that iOS 8.1.2 will break it. We haven’t confirmed that yet but Apple typically patches up these exploits after they’re burned so we expect iOS 8.1.2 to patch up the iOS 8.1.1 jailbreak.

While iOS 8.1.2 brings some enticing bug fixes to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, there are still some great reasons to remain jailbroken for the time being. Access to Cydia applications, full on customization, you name it. If you update, you’ll probably lose access to that. If Apple is still signing off on iOS 8.1.1, and it might be, now is a great time to move to it.

If You’re Using an iPhone & iPad for Work

In the past, we’ve seen iOS updates cause problems for people that use an iPhone or iPad as their work device. Exchange issues almost always occur with iOS updates and we’ve seen folks run into battery life issues with their work phone on days when problems are unacceptable.

Those who are using an iPhone as a work phone may want to hold off until iOS 8.1.2 bugs are established and until your company gives the go-ahead to install the software, something that may not necessarily come on day one.

We recommend talking to IT before making any moves to new software, if you have an IT department to talk to. They might not have all of the answers but they might be able to help steer you in the right direction moving forward.