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Most downloaded iOS causes most problems

Lauren Kate Rawlins
By Lauren Kate Rawlins, ITWeb digital and innovation contributor.
Johannesburg, 12 Oct 2015
Some Apple smartphone users are experiencing problems with the newer versions of iOS 9.
Some Apple smartphone users are experiencing problems with the newer versions of iOS 9.

Apple's fastest adopted operating system is causing different problems for various users - despite two updates since launch.

Apple claims the new operating system, iOS 9, had already been adopted by 50% of all devices after launch - its fastest adoption rate.

iOS 9 was first released to the public on 16 September, and by the end of that month, two additional updates were released.

In a discussion on an Apple support forum last night, user 'bonsai' said after updating to iOS 9.0.2, the iPhone 5S had immediately started to fail to register finger press and touch locations.

"The screen now intermittently opens apps, fails to allow the keyboard to be used correctly, will register touches when I am not even touching the phone."

The user said after removing the case and screen protector, and hard-resetting the phone (where the power button and front button are pressed at the same time for a few seconds), it was clear it was not a hardware problem.

Other iPhone users in the thread agreed, saying their touch-screen problems started as soon as they upgraded to iOS 9.0.2.

On a separate Apple forum, an iPhone owner said iMessages were not being shown as delivered with the new update, even after the people the message was sent to, saw it and responded.

Forbes reported some users are not getting audible or vibration notifications on several apps across devices. There are also users who are not receiving e-mails on their Apple devices with the new update. These users can reportedly see there are new e-mails but are unable to open them.

On Twitter, Oliver Magro said this morning: "On iOS 9.0.2 now and the alarm still hasn't been fixed. Best not rely on your iPhone in the morning! #iOS9."

Twitter user PO also said this morning: "Ever since I updated to iOS 9.0.2 it's been giving me nothing but NONSTOP PROBLEMS!"

These issues are isolated to some users and do not affect every iPhone with the latest update.

SA data drain

South Africans got a fright when the original update was released in September and their mobile data bills suddenly went up.

This was because a new feature, WiFi Assist, was turned on by default with the new OS. It was aimed at providing users with a seamless Internet connection, detecting when the device is experiencing weak or slow WiFi signal, and automatically switching to the user's data.

This new feature makes sense in America and Europe, as many iPhone owners will have an unlimited data contract. However, in South Africa and other countries where unlimited data plans are expensive and not as common, this new feature will be a problem.

Apple users are able to turn off this feature by going to settings, then the cellular option. Once there, scroll down to the bottom of the menu, where WiFi Assist can be turned off.

No way back

Apple has stopped 'signing' (a way for users to downgrade to a previous iOS) for both iOS 8.4.1 and iOS 9.0, like it has done previously.

This means users who have upgraded to iOS 9.0.1 cannot go back to older versions of the OS. However, iOS 9.0.2 users are able to go back to iOS 9.0.1 if they prefer the bugs in that system compared to the ones they are experiencing with 9.0.2.

Apple has not said why it is not allowing users to go back.

iOS 9.1 is expected to be released some time during the next few weeks and should fix the various bugs users are experiencing. It is advisable for iPhone users to hold off on updating their software if they have not done so already.

The new iPhone 6S and Plus went on sale overseas in September. Owners of the new iPhones say the devices are turning off unexpectedly and a hard reset is required for it to come back on.

The latest iPhones are available for pre-order in South Africa. Prices start from R11 799 for the iPhone 6S and R13 599 for the iPhone 6S Plus.

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