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iOS 6.1.2 on iPhone 5 Review: Impressions and Performance

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Earlier today, Apple rolled out its second incremental update since it released the iOS 6.1 update back at the end of January. Like the iOS 6.1.1 update, the iOS 6.1.2 update is a small piece of software aimed at taking care of a pesky Exchange bug. However, as many iPhone owners know, these smaller updates can often fix other unspecified issues or bring other problems along with them. That said, here are our initial impressions of the iOS 6.1.2 update for the iPhone 5 in particular.

Read: iOS 6.1.2 Now Available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

In January, Apple released the iOS 6.1 update for owners of the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. As we’ve told you, the iOS 6.1 update brought a number of new features to the table including a new movie buying function for Siri, a bigger Report a Problem button in Apple Maps and my personal favorite, the new lock screen music controls that were a big improvement from those found in iOS 6.

And while the iOS 6.1 update brought lots of good, it seemingly brought quite a bit bad with it as well as users started reporting severe battery drain issues after updating to the software. iPhone 5 owners were amongst those complaining about the bad battery life and those dealing with the issue hoped for a fix in iOS 6.1.1.

Only, iOS 6.1.1 was for the iPhone 4S only and it was aimed at tackling an issue that affected 3G connectivity. So, owners of other devices dealing with battery drain had to wait.

Over time, it became clear that the issue was a bug with Exchange, a common email service used by small and large companies alike. The issue, specifically, had to do with the calendar in Exchange wherein network activity would increase and the iPhone would start losing battery life quickly. In one particular instance we saw iOS 6.1 battery life on the iPhone 4S drop to 55% with just a few hours of actual usage.

Clearly, Apple needed to release a patch for the issue which it did today in the form of iOS 6.1.2, an update that is available to owners of all devices running iOS 6. The update is available now through iTunes or through an Over-the-Air update.

With that, here now are my first impressions about the iOS 6.1.2 update for the iPhone 5.

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iOS 6.1.2 rolled out today for owners of the iPhone 5.

Flawless Installation

In the past, like many others, I’ve had issues installing iOS updates to my iPhone. In the past, I’ve experienced instability with Apple’s severs and I’ve seen updates freeze for no apparent reason. Fortunately though, in the past few updates, I’ve managed to avoid any issues.

The upgrade to iOS 6.1.2 was no different. Probably, in part, because it’s an extremely small update for iPhone 5 users. The update is tiny, 12MB in size, and takes about a minute, if that, to download. I downloaded the update Over-the-Air and soon the installation process began.

It was extremely quick, efficient and I didn’t run into any issues getting the new update on board.

Random Reboots Still Not an Issue

When I told you about the random reboots I was experiencing with my iPhone 5 after iOS 6 and the updates that came before iOS 6.1, I found out that others were also dealing with the issue. The random reboot issue, which saw the iPhone 5 reboot to the boot up logo and seconds later return to the lock screen, was an annoyance I had to deal with for months.

That is, until iOS 6.1 arrived and seemingly squashed the issue. Since installing iOS 6.1, I have not had a single random reboot. Same goes or the iOS 6.1.2 update.

Since I installed it earlier today when it became available, I have no see my iPhone 5 reboot on me. So, at this point, I think it’s safe to say that iOS 6.1 has taken care of the issue, albeit quietly.

Apple never confirmed the issue and the problem was never shown on the change logs for any iOS 6 updates.

No Problem with Apps, Yet

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Chrome has seemingly performed better in iOS 6.1.2.

As I said in my final review of iOS 6.1 for the iPhone 5, I started to have some problems with my applications, specifically, in Chrome. Until iOS 6.1, Chrome worked flawlessly. But after a few weeks, the browser started to slow down and often, it would hiccup its way along webpages.

I have also experienced some slow down in the Google+ application though it’s issue was less constant and it has only happened a few times since installing iOS 6.1. Additionally, the official Twitter app has crashed a few times since installing iOS 6.1.

So far, so good with iOS 6.1.2. The Twitter application has been updated since the iOS 6.1, on February 15th, so that update may have tackled the issues. Chrome and Google+ both are working flawlessly, as are the few games that I have installed on my iPhone 5.

Apps can become unstable after an update so it’s nice to see that everything is working normally (and better in my case) after updating to iOS 6.1.2.

I should also point out that other features of iOS, including the new ones in iOS 6.1, seem to be working as intended.

Battery Life Is Solid

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The iPhone 5 battery life is not any worse after iOS 6.1.2 it seems.

While many iPhone 5 owners were complaining about battery drain issues, I did not experience any battery drain after installing iOS 6.1. Instead, my battery life was the status quo. That is, until about eight days ago when I noticed that my phone was draining a little faster than normal.

I don’t use Exchange so the issue wasn’t related to that. I’ve heard from other iPhone 5 owners who don’t use Exchange who also saw worse battery life so I know wasn’t alone.

Again, the battery drain was minimal but it was noticeable.

It’s hard to say whether or not iOS 6.1.2 has made a big difference, but what I will say is that it hasn’t made it any worse than it already was. Often these battery life issues don’t make themselves known until a few days or in my case weeks after installing the software so it’s going to take some time before I can tell whether there is any sort of impact for better or worse.

At the very least, I can tell you that the update hasn’t wiped out my battery. And while I think I am noticing an improvement, I can’t say for certain yet.

The Exchange issues, from what I’ve heard, have been take care of and for those that don’t see a big difference in battery life after updating, I suggest taking a look at our how to fix iOS 6.1 battery life in ten seconds. It will likely help.

I also suggest taking a look at our how to get better iPhone 5 battery life. It too could help to mitigate any issues that you might be having on your smartphone.

Wi-Fi Connection Still Strong

Like it was in iOS 6.1, my Wi-Fi connection on my iPhone 5 is going strong after installing iOS 6.1.2. For those that are just joining, I run a WPA2 network, which in past iOS 6 releases, gave me some issues.

However, after Apple’s fixes, my iPhone 5 is running strongly both on my home network and on other public networks and iOS 6.1.2 seems to maintain that.

For those that are still experiencing issues with Wi-Fi, even after iOS 6.1.1, I recommend taking a look at this lengthy post in Apple’s support forums that outlines a number of different ways that iPhone 5 owners have solved their Wi-Fi issues.

Security Issue Wasn’t Fixed

By now, you’ve probably heard about the security issue that allows users access to the iPhone’s Contacts after using a bypass in the Emergency Call section of the lock screen.

The bug is evidently still active in iOS 6.1.2 which means that iPhone 5 owners are still at risk of getting their iPhone accessed by a stranger who knows how to take advantage of the exploit.

My guess is that Apple rushed out this Exchange fix to get that under control and now will focus on getting this security issue taken care of. I will say that it was a little odd that the fix did not come with this update, given that while it’s a tough bug to replicate, it still can give unwanted users access to the iPhone or iPad.

Should You Install iOS 6.1.2?

If you’re on iOS 6.1 already and use Exchange, absolutely install iOS 6.1.2. If you don’t use Exchange, it should be safe to install the update given that it doesn’t seem to significantly drain battery life and keeps things as they were.

Those who want to update to iOS 6.1.2 can as the Evasi0n 1.4 jailbreak tool supports the new software.

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The iOS 6.1.2 update should be OK to install for most users.

For those that haven’t updated to iOS 6.1 yet, given the existence of the security bug, I would say hold off and wait for Apple to patch that up. While it’s not exactly an easy exploit to perform, it’s still one that could wind up being a nasty problem for owners who leave their device unattended.

39 Comments

39 Comments

  1. iPhone 5S iOS 78

    02/19/2013 at 5:07 pm

    I just installed iOS 6.1.2. It’s actually cool. All my wifi issues gone..

    • HAROON ANSARI

      03/09/2013 at 12:14 am

      i also upgraded but having the same wifi issue, really fed up of all that. Now thinking to shift to samsung galaxy despite of the fact that i m APPLE LOVER as I always kept iphone since iph 3…but what should i do as its making my life miserable

    • www.androidpulse.com

      07/07/2013 at 3:35 am

      I really hope Samsung ditches the physical home button. I prefer capacitive or the onscreen buttons that android supports.

    • update my android

      12/12/2013 at 3:16 am

      Very informative and helpful. I was searching for this information but there are very limited resources. Thank you for providing this information.

    • theworldtv

      12/12/2013 at 9:51 pm

      Just saying thanks will not just be enough, for the tremendous lucidity in your writing. I will right away grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Good work and much success in your business enterprise.

  2. iris

    02/19/2013 at 6:12 pm

    I’m downloading this new version i hope get me available my WiFi cus is been gray out for a week i don’t have unlimited data my fiance is going to kill me when he see the bill l besides that im also experience drain battery

    • iris

      02/19/2013 at 6:32 pm

      still not workinh

  3. Sash

    02/19/2013 at 10:11 pm

    Why doesn’t the iPhone have face recognition yet?? Or an app for it? Cause there are some other phones that due and i feel like the iPhone should have it to!! Cause I feel like that would be pretty cool as a password lock.

  4. Kalr

    02/20/2013 at 2:49 am

    u r chutiya (great man) .. giving ur opinions

  5. Gavin

    02/20/2013 at 2:56 am

    My iPhone 5 battery drain is much more now after the upgrade to iOS 6.1.2
    Very disappointed.

    • Roger

      03/15/2013 at 6:12 am

      Same here is have gone from 48 hours a charge to roughly 24. It is killing me because the battery life is what moved me from an android phone

  6. shravan

    02/20/2013 at 5:36 am

    After updating i am getting only 3 signal bars on my iphone 5 as to my non updated 4S (6.1.1)getting full signal bars. Any idea?

  7. Julie

    02/20/2013 at 8:54 am

    I am an apple 4s user. And still disappointed. Im really losing faith to Apple iOS updates. iOS 6.1.2 still sucks!!! Battery life is still very bad. Grrrrrrrr!!!

    • TABISH

      02/22/2013 at 1:31 pm

      That’s true Julie … It’s sucks more after the 6.1.2 update

  8. kathy

    02/20/2013 at 2:02 pm

    Is there a new way to delete photos now? I haven’t been able to delete the photos that were transferred with the new update.

    • Jeff

      03/27/2013 at 6:10 am

      Can someone help, how to delete photos, as the garbage can doesn’t appear. Tried many many things but does not work!!!

  9. Chris R

    02/20/2013 at 7:13 pm

    Dont know if anyone else has had this issue, but upon updating one of the phones here, we lost all the music not downloaded off of Itunes not only from the phone but from the computer as well. Also heard of a guy who lost all his contacts after updating his phone.

    • PCC316

      02/20/2013 at 7:54 pm

      That’s why it is always been advise to backup first before updating your iOS.

  10. ncc415

    02/21/2013 at 4:57 am

    Installed 6.1.2 last night. Phone on charge, unplugged this morning with 100% charge on it. Ran an app whilst cycling to work this morning for 30 mins with my music playing. By lunchtime, my battery is at 32%………WTF………never seen it as bad as that and have barely touched the phone all morning so cant understand it at all.

    • Cydney Glasser

      03/15/2013 at 8:44 am

      Same exact thing happening to me! I can’t even get through a morning with minimal usage before my iPhone 5 dies. Went into the Apple store yesterday and they restored my phone, hoping that would fix the problem. It didn’t. Pretty irritated with Apple right now! My phone might as well be a landline.

    • Antigone Klima

      03/18/2013 at 3:33 pm

      mine, too. iPhone 4S/64G. it was FINE on 6.1.1 but one of my apps uses Exchange in the background so I had to upgrade. battery doesn’t even last 12 hours now, with no change in use patterns or what’s on in the background. did all the usual stuff since I actually worked in iOS support for a year. argh!

  11. John

    02/21/2013 at 5:57 am

    I updated three devices with no problems and everything seems to be working as promised. However, a coworker upgraded her IPad 2 and immediately following the upgrade her home button quit working. What’s up with that?

  12. Hardik Mardia

    02/21/2013 at 8:56 am

    Google Latitude continues to crash after 6.1.2 too

  13. Irma

    02/21/2013 at 2:19 pm

    iphone battery live is HORRIBLE!! Very disappointed in the iPhone 5!

    • shree

      03/09/2013 at 5:29 am

      Hi Irma, same problem with me in iphone 5, have u got the solution please ??

  14. Wendy

    02/21/2013 at 2:31 pm

    Since upgrading last night my battery has drained to 10% in a few hours not using it any more than normal, and also keep losing signal strength, whereas previously it was very strong.

  15. AquaFender

    02/21/2013 at 10:32 pm

    I installed ios 6.1.2 last night on an iPhone 4. The phone fully discharged 3 times during the day today. This is horrible. Apple seems to want to blame the users and the apps. Well, same user, same apps yesterday — working fine. Today, it’s a piece of trash — which will likely catch on fire because the battery is so hot from the continuous discharge.

  16. Johnteresen

    02/22/2013 at 1:51 am

    Battery drained more faster on my 4s…..70% in just 2-3 hours……wth?????? About month ago, i can use wifi 7-8 hours… But now after upgrading, i can fully used my iphone only about 4-5 hours……

  17. shahid hussain

    02/22/2013 at 4:07 am

    mna aj tak apple phone use kiya hai aj pta chal duniya ma sub sa bawas phone hai apple

  18. rory

    02/22/2013 at 7:21 am

    Check this link on apple site for 145 PAGES of issues on battery drain….

    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4310494?start=2145&tstart=0

  19. Larry

    02/22/2013 at 7:29 pm

    Sum it all up EvasiOn jailbreak!! Sounds crazy I did it and no more battery issues it last better and works great, so just jailbreak it and tweak it and ur good to go!!! And best of all its FREE:))) can’t go wrong there, and is reversible too if u don’t like the EnasiOn jailbreak!! But try it!! You will be satisfied …. That’s a real update!!!

  20. Bruce Wayne

    02/24/2013 at 8:28 am

    Those with IPhones that have horrible battery drain After installing ios 6.1.2, please try the following: stop iCloud except for safari links, and set all you email to manual update. My iPhone 4S has run for 24 hours and went from 100% to 40% in one day of normal use. The day before I made these changes I went down to below 40% in less than 3 hours without making a single phone call, I hope this helps.

    thebat_man

    • Larry

      02/24/2013 at 8:51 am

      Very true there along with diming the screen brightness. And cancel running apps,

  21. Blue Jay

    02/24/2013 at 3:42 pm

    Any one have any input on the Airplay issue with iOS 6 on the 4s? I lost all support for airplay.

  22. Tommy

    03/06/2013 at 9:20 pm

    People on the other end can’t hear me say it sound like I’m in tunnel

  23. danny

    03/12/2013 at 10:35 pm

    horrible post. because of this post i downloaded this update and it has done nothing but drain my battery and force close apps every now and then. why did i listen to this post. i have never had problems with my battery and now it is horrible. thank a bunch.

  24. Skier

    03/15/2013 at 8:00 am

    I just bought an iPhone 5. To say that the battery life is horrendous is putting it mildly. I turned on the music player, turned off WiFi, bluetooth, dimmed the display, off with notifications and I lost all power within 3 hours!!!!!! With my trusted 4 I could stream Sirius with all the bells and whistles on while skiing at -35 Celsius and I was consuming (without the Mophie) 85% of the battery in 6 hours. And the 5 is supposed to have a better battery life???? I don’t think so (and the ios is updated…..) What a piece of crap. Had I know I would have never bought it. Now I know why it was on special……..

  25. Hardik

    04/02/2013 at 10:10 pm

    Mi I phone 5 betri life to sort version 6.1

  26. Geolocation of Sherman

    03/25/2014 at 4:02 am

    I have seen lots of things over here.I have 3gs I need to ask can I update my IOS.If yes than how I can do this.Please guide me about this.

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