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5 Things to Know About the iOS 10.3.1 Update

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The iOS 10.3.1 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is still available and today we want to walk you through the most important things to know as we push toward the next iOS 10 release and the iOS 11 launch.

Apple’s released two new versions of iOS 10.3. One version, iOS 10.3.2, is an unreleased bug fixer that’s in beta testing ahead of an unknown release date.

The other version, iOS 10.3.1, is a small maintenance release for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. iOS 10.3.1 is much smaller than its predecessor (iOS 10.3) but it’s still an important upgrade for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

iOS 10.3.1 comes with an important security patch and bug fixes and there’s a chance it could have a dramatic effect on your device’s overall performance.

Its been a little over a month since its release and iOS 10.3.1 continues its reign as the most up-to-date version of iOS 10.

With that in mind, we want to walk you through the most important things to know, right now, about iOS 10.3.1’s performance, problems, and what’s coming next for iOS 10 users.

iOS 10.3.1 Review

The iOS 10.3.1 update is tiny if you’re coming directly from iOS 10.3. On the iPhone 7, you can expect a 30MB download.

We were able to finish up the the download in a matter of seconds though the installation process took about 5 minutes to complete on our phone.

We recommend putting aside 10 minutes or so to monitor the situation. Our installation went smoothly but there’s no telling what you might encounter.

If you’re coming to iOS 10.3.1 from something older than iOS 10.3 your iOS 10.3.1 update will be much larger thanks to iOS 10.3.

iOS 10.3’s features and fixes will be baked into your update so make sure you put aside 30 minutes or so to monitor the download and the installation.

In the weeks since iOS 10.3.1’s release we’ve downloaded and installed the update on five versions of the iPhone: iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, and iPhone 5. If you want some quick feedback, head to those links.

We’ve also installed the software on four versions of the iPad including the iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro.

Right now, iOS 10.3.1 is looking good. And given what’s on board (an important fix for a potential Wi-Fi exploit), it’s definitely worth a look if you own one of these devices.

If you need additional feedback about iOS 10.3.1 and its changes, take a look at our reasons to, and not to, install the iOS 10.3.1 update on your device right now.

iOS 10.3.1 Update: What’s New

The iOS 10.3.1 change log states the update comes with bug fixes and security patches meaning it’s a maintenance update. Don’t expect any new features on board.

Apple lists the iOS 10.3.1 update as having an single security patch. The update also reportedly fixes unnamed iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c issues.

That said, if you’re coming to iOS 10.3.1 from iOS 10.2.1 or something older, you’ll get a bunch of new features with iOS 10.3.1 due to iOS 10.3.

If you’re unfamiliar with iOS 10.3 we recommend taking a look at our walkthrough so that you can get familiar with its features before you install iOS 10.3.1 on your device.

You can save and share Apple Clips to a variety of social networks.

It’s also worth noting that Apple’s Clips application is finally out on the App Store for both the iPhone and iPad.

Clips is available for select devices running iOS 10.3 or iOS 10.3.1. Clips isn’t available for the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, or iPad 4.

iOS 10.3.1 Problems

It’s a small update but the iOS 10.3.1 update is causing problems for many iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users.

iOS 10.3.1 users are complaining about battery drain, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, various first and third-party apps, lag, random reboots, and more.

We expect complaints to pickup as more people find and discover the iOS 10.3.1 update lurking in Settings or on iTunes.

If you’re seeing an issue after downloading the iOS 10.3.1 update, take a look at our list of fixes for the most common iOS 10 problems. You’ll also want to take a look at our tips to improve iOS 10.3.1 performance.

You’ll also want to report any issues you see to Apple so that its engineers can get to work on a fix for the issue.

Note: You can no longer downgrade from iOS 10.3.1 in an effort to fix performance issues. Apple’s no longer signing off on iOS 10.2.1 or iOS 10.3 which means you’re stuck on iOS 10.3.1 until the company rolls out a new update.

iOS 10.3.1 Jailbreak

If you’re jailbroken, skip the iOS 10.3.1 update. For now

Jailbreak developers haven’t released a working jailbreak tool for iOS 10.2.1 or iOS 10.3 but we could see one get released after Apple releases its next iOS 10 update.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-JQfujxFqo

Developers have reportedly cracked the iOS 10.3.1 update though it’s unclear if they’ll release it to the public.

Rumors suggest we could see a release sometime after Apple releases iOS 10.3.2 but this remains unconfirmed.

For now, you must be on iOS 10.2 or something older to jailbreak an iPhone or an iPad. Unfortunately, there’s no way to downgrade to anything older than iOS 10.2.1.

For more on the iOS 10 jailbreak, see our roundup.

What’s Next

With the iOS 10.3.1 release out of the way, Apple’s now focused on iOS 10.3.2, another maintenance update.

Apple’s iOS 10.3.2 update is currently in beta for developers and the general public. We still don’t have a release date (we’re on iOS 10.3.2 beta 5 so it could land soon) and we might not get one ahead of time. Apple typically doesn’t confirm iOS release dates.

While you might be tempted to try the iOS 10.3.2 update out ahead of its release, early software can and probably will cause problems on your device. So you’ll want to be sure about the beta, especially now that we’re so close to an official release.

For more on the merits of the iOS 10.3.2 beta, take a look at our walkthrough.

WWDC 2017 is set for early June.

It’s also worth noting that we’re just a few short weeks away from Apple’s annual developer conference, WWDC.

At WWDC 2017, we expect Apple to debut its next major update, iOS 11.

While an iOS 11 release will probably take place alongside the new iPhone this fall, Apple could release an iOS 11 beta for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch soon after the WWDC 2017 keynote in early June.

Apple’s WWDC 2017 keynote is scheduled for the morning of June 5th.

3 Reasons Not to Install iOS 10.3.3 & 9 Reasons You Should

Install iOS 10.3.3 If You Want Better Security

Install iOS 10.3.3 If You Want Better Security

If you value your security, you'll want to seriously consider downloading the iOS 10.3.3 update on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

iOS 10.3.3 brings 24 security patches addressing vulnerabilities plaguing Contacts, Messages, Notifications, and Safari.

It also includes a patch for a potentially dangerous Wi-Fi exploit dubbed "Broadpwn." That patch alone is a great reason to install iOS 10.3.3 right now or in the immediate future. 

If you failed to download previous versions of iOS, your iOS 10.3.3 update will bring even more security features.

If you passed on iOS 10.3.2, iOS 10.3.3 will deliver 23 additional security patches for potentially dangerous issues. 

If you skipped iOS 10.3.1, your iOS 10.3.3 update will bring its lone security patch. If you skipped iOS 10.3, iOS 10.3.3 will bring its monster list of patches to your device.

The iOS 10.3 update delivered over 60 known patches for potential exploits. That's substantial, even for a milestone upgrade.

If you skipped the iOS 10.2.1 update and/or the iOS 10.2 update, iOS 10.3.3 brings their security patches with it. The iOS 10.2.1 update had 14 important patches on board. You can see them all right here

If you failed to install Apple's iOS 9.3.5 update, iOS 10.3.3 will also bring the three crucial security patches it delivered last year. These patch up serious security problems that could potentially expose your calls, contacts, texts, and emails.

These patches enhance the security on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch making them ideal for those of you who store sensitive files/data on your device. 

7 Comments

7 Comments

  1. H. Mitchell

    04/05/2017 at 1:21 am

    I would like to see a fix for the recent calls listed on mutiple devices linked to the same apple id.
    Apple seems to store your call history ‘somewhere’ and my recent calls are displayed on my husband’s and daughter’s device (and vice versa).
    Apple has no business with my call history, this is private information and should only be accessible by my service provider and myself.
    Call history should not be linked via an apple id.

  2. Sebastian

    04/10/2017 at 4:39 am

    DO NOT INSTALL THIS UPDATE! I have had several problems. I gave an iPhone 6s. 2 factor authentication did not work. When I got a hold of apple support they said to turn it off and wait for the next update. Worst part, my battery gets depleted very rapidly. Within 30 minutes my fully charged phone died!

  3. Thomas Meredith

    04/14/2017 at 4:57 am

    Ever since I have done the update. My messaging system is saying waiting on activation. I can no longer message anyone. How do I fix this?

  4. Anand

    04/19/2017 at 1:33 am

    I am unable to do the upgrade. Whenever I try (tried 20times so far) it goes up to “Verifying updates” and thereafter I receive a message “An error occurred while installing 10.3.1” with two options “Retry” and “Remind me later”

    I have followed all the instructions but unable to resolve this problem

  5. K Nelson

    04/25/2017 at 9:19 pm

    This update has messed up my email. I am not getting alerts and can not send email from my iPad. The email addresses do not appear to be a available to use. I email addresses are incorrect. Now. I use email to get my work assignments and not receiving them on time makes me miss work. And I can’t send emails from my addresses.

  6. Jamison

    05/04/2017 at 10:35 am

    I cand play music or videos in the background from youtube, is it just me or is it really a problem I’ve tried rebooting my iPad mini but it hasn’t fixed the problem. I’ve also tried messing around with the settings but it still didn’t work. Please help me fix it.

  7. Jamison

    05/04/2017 at 10:38 am

    I can’t play music or videos in the background from youtube, is it just me or is it really a problem I’ve tried rebooting my iPad mini but it hasn’t fixed the problem. I’ve also tried messing around with the settings but it still didn’t work. Please help me fix it.

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