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iPhone iOS 8.2 Update: What We Know Right Now

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Apple’s iOS 8.1.2 is still the company’s most current version of iOS 8 though it will, at some point, be replaced by a new upgrade. With iOS 8.1.3 rumors swirling and iOS 8.2 update details continuing to emerge, we want to take a look at what we think iPhone (and iPad) users need to know right now about the upcoming iOS 8.2 release.

Several months ago, Apple took the stage to announce the iOS 8.0 release date for iPhone and iPad. The company pegged it for mid-September, just ahead of the iPhone 6 release. On September 17th, the company delivered iOS 8.0 and all of its upgrades and enhancements to iPhone and iPad users of all shapes in sizes.

iOS 8.0 isn’t a massive update but it’s no slouch either. While it doesn’t bring the same kind of sweeping changes that iOS 7 brought back in 2013, it delivers some new additions including improvements to Messages, Notifications, and more. It also delivered a number of iOS 8 problems to owners of the iPhone and iPad.

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For the past three months, Apple’s been working to correct these iOS 8 problems through a series of iOS 8 updates. First there was iOS 8.0.1. A day later, Apple pushed out iOS 8.0.2 to correct the bugs that iOS 8.0.1 brought with it. Shortly after that, Apple released a massive bug fix update in the form of iOS 8.1. The company wasn’t finished. Days later, it released iOS 8.1.1 and it was soon followed by the most recent iOS 8 update, iOS 8.1.2. iOS 8.1.2, like iOS 8.1.1, is a small bug fix update for iOS 8 users.

iOS 8.1.2 stands as Apple’s latest iOS 8 update but it won’t be the last. There are two new iOS 8 updates thought to be on the horizon for iPhone and iPad users though only one of those updates is confirmed. That update, iOS 8.2, hit the beta program several weeks ago and over the past few weeks, we’ve seen its release start to develop.

With the iPad and iPhone iOS 8.2 update in mind, we want to take a look at what we know, right now, about Apple’s upcoming upgrade for the iOS 8 operating system.

iOS 8.2 Release Date Pushes Closer

Apple still hasn’t announced an iOS 8.2 release date for iPhone and iPad though we know that the release continues to inch closer. Earlier this month, Apple dropped the third iOS 8.2 beta update for developers in the beta program. It’s a sign that the company is pushing towards a public iOS 8.2 release but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the iOS 8.2 release for users outside of the developer program is close.

The company never announces how many beta updates developers will have to endure. At least not publicly. With a lot riding on the iOS 8.2 update, it delivers support for the Apple Watch, we could see it go through several beta releases before the Gold Master is released and before the update is pushed to iPhone and iPad users around the world. People seem to forget that Apple typically uses a lengthy beta process to test its updates. iOS 7.1 went into beta in November of 2013 and was released in March of 2014.

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It’s clear that the iOS 8.2 update is tied in heavily with Apple’s new product line, known as the Apple Watch. Current Apple Watch release date rumors put its arrival somewhere in the vicinity of February though it will likely take an Apple event to confirm those details. Apple continues to stick to an early 2015 timeline and that’s probably when we’ll see the iOS 8.2 update for iPhone and iPad emerge.

Now, this is important in the eyes of many iPhone and iPad users because iOS 8 problems continue to be a headache for many users. And while the iOS 8.2 update should have fixes and enhancements on board, it’s clear that it’s going to primarily be focused on the Apple Watch and the company’s new HealthKit features, features that tie into the Apple Watch.

iOS 8.2 Features

As the iOS 8.2 beta process pushes forward, we’re starting to learn more about the iOS 8.2 update itself. iOS 8.2 will be the second major update to the iOS 8.0 operating system, iOS 8.1 was the first, and it should arrive with a number of features on board. We already mentioned Apple Watch support but the iOS 8.2 update will also deliver features to Apple’s Health app.

As 9to5Mac notes, the iOS 8.2 beta 3 update brings back blood glucose tracking to iOS 8. This feature was stripped out by Apple after it encountered problems. It appears that the feature is back on track. The Health app will also outline its features with tiny little descriptions to help make the application a little easier to digest. The app is a bit daunting and it looks like Apple wants to make things easier for iPhone and iPad users ahead of the Apple Watch release.

The iOS 8.2 beta 3 also lists bug fixes and improvements as features so those that are suffering through iOS 8 problems could find a potential remedy in iOS 8.2. There’s no guarantee that iOS 8.2 will fix everything wrong with iOS 8 but there’s a good chance that it will at least have some fixes on board for various iOS 8 issues.

iOS 8.1.3 Update

Those dealing with problems on iOS 8.1.2 and below may not have to wait for iOS 8.2 though.

MacRumors reports that Apple could be cooking up an iOS 8.1.3 update for the future. The update has picked up steam in our own site analytics, a sign that Apple’s testing the update behind the scenes. This does not confirm a release but it does mean that one is possible. iOS 8.1.3, if real, would likely be a bug fix update aimed at patching up some lingering issues. We also wouldn’t be surprised if it patched up the iOS 8.1.2 Taig jailbreak.

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With the holidays in full swing and the year coming to a close, we would not expect the iOS 8.1.3 update to arrive before the end of the year. Apple’s surprised us before but we would expect the update to fall in the January- February window if it lands at all. If Apple does decide to release an iOS 8.1.3 update, don’t expect it to confirm a release date ahead of time.

Apple typically confirms iOS release dates on stage next to new hardware products. What this means is that we could see an iOS 8.2 release date announced alongside the Apple Watch next year.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Larry

    12/22/2014 at 2:04 pm

    Adam mills how many times do you have to post this same topic?? All you do it twist it around!! Post something more important but thanks anyways for trying

  2. bunsenan

    12/25/2014 at 2:48 pm

    Good to get the information, but this article badly needs editing and slimming down. Far too much repetition.

  3. Bgf

    01/10/2015 at 1:15 pm

    Cut AM sum slack … He’s jewish

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