iOS 8.1.2 Release Date Arrives

Moments ago Apple announced and released iOS 8.1.2, a new version of its software for iPhones and iPads that fixes a huge issue that users have complained about since the arrival of iOS 8 and the iPhone 6.

Reports of an iOS 8.1.2 update surfaced this morning after some users noticed that their iPhone was prompting them to download a software upgrade. As its name suggests, iOS 8.1.2 is a minor update for users having trouble with their devices.

Following the update, iPhone users should find that any ringtones they purchased can be restored to their device. That’s a huge fix, one that users have asked for weeks. After the last major update, some iPhone owners noticed that their device wouldn’t let them select any of the ringtones they’d purchased through Apple’s iTunes Store. In the release notes for iOS 8.1.2, Apple is encouraging users who ran into the ringtone bug to download the update then restore their ringtones from iTunes.com/restore-tones. Going to that site on a Windows machine with iTunes installed or on n iPhone itself takes you directly into the iTunes Store.

iOS 8.1.2 isn’t a major update in any meaningful way. As such, there aren’t new notable features for users to look forward to after the update has been installed. Its size reflects that, iOS 8.1.2 is only 28.3MB. Unfortunately, the iPhone doesn’t allow users to install updates over mobile internet networks, users will need a Wi-Fi connection before starting the upgrade. Plugging up the iPhone before performing an update isn’t a bad idea either. Typically, iOS updates run quickly. While the update downloads users are able to place call and check their email. Once the installation begins, placing calls and texting messaging isn’t an option.

All iPhones eligible for iOS 8.1.2 should begin asking their owners to update automatically over the next few hours. The update can be triggered manually by opening the Settings app, looking in general settings and checking for eligible updates. Some users who are very tight on free space may be asked to make more by deleting some music, pictures and video. There aren’t any reports of iOS 8.1.2 breaking iPhone features yet, but GottaBeMobile will keep an eye out for those as the update rolls out.

iOS 8.1.2 doesn’t include any big features, but that isn’t to say that there aren’t some on the way. Apple hasn’t offered up any detailed information about the next big iOS 8 release, but reportedly it’ll be iOS 8.2. An early version of iOS 8.2 went out to developers this past November. It included support for the WatchKit SDK that app makers will need to power their Apple Watch applications in 2015. Rumors are that Apple could announce other new features for iOS 8.2.

MacRumors is reporting that Apple will roll in some fixes and usability updates for the Apple Maps app that’s available on iPad and iPhone today. The outlet also believes that split-screen multitasking could make it to the iPad in iOS 8.2. For example, users would be able to triage email while watching video from Netflix or look at their calendar and take notes in a meeting at the same time. The iPhone & iPad use multitasking agents in the background but you can’t actually run to iPad apps side by side. Samsung has offered split-screen multitasking on its Android devices for some time. Microsoft is also in front of this iOS 8.2 rumored featured already. Its Windows 8 operating, which runs on the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 3, allows users to snap a minimum of two apps on screen at the same time.