Apple’s iOS 8 update landed a few days ago. I was too busy when it went live to attempt to start the download, but based on the battering Apple’s servers would take, I thought it wise to wait.
I was pleased that I did wait, as it became evident that this update required a massive amount of free space to install. Between my wife and I, none of our Apple devices were able to update to iOS 8, even though it said there was an update available. In fact, all that happened was the devices took you to a usage screen. No instructions provided by Apple. Now, I’m tech minded but the majority of Apple’s users probably aren’t and would be left wondering what to do next! How difficult would it have been for a brief note/message on the next steps required to free up some space.
Even more concerning would be a phone with just 8 or 16gb storage. Based on the size of free space required, it would in essence be necessary to remove everything off your iPhone just to install iOS 8. Again no warnings or advice from Apple.
So before I could start downloading the update on all the devices, I had to fiddle around with removing enough apps or music or videos to install iOS 8.
So finally, the updates were starting to download. This took hours, but fortunately this was left running overnight. I say fortunately, but unfortunate for one device whose update timed out. The next stage after downloading was preparing the update which seemed to take forever. About 40 minutes. Then the installation, taking another 20 minutes. Next the music, videos and apps that had been removed had to be re-installed again.
This did not feel like a smooth operation and all it would have taken is a screen from Apple with some tips before trying to install this update.
However, Apple is the only company that can release an update to the World for all its devices on the same day at exactly the same time!!! And that is impressive.
So post update and running iOS 8. Here are my thoughts and then the thoughts of my wife.
Me – After installation, my iPad Air looked no different on the first glance. As I started to explore some of the new features and cosmetic tweaks, it became evident that the update as a whole was greater than the individual components. The attention to detail and the refined user experience was starting to really impress me. The camera and photos app. Totally enhanced providing more functionality and a better user experience, but done in a non overpowering way. Safari, when the pages started to load this was a super fast experience. I am experiencing web pages not loading. This is only cured by quitting the app and restarting. The new features are extensive, but I do believe it will be the developers and the forthcoming app updates that will end up creating a powerful and enjoyable user experience.
Wife – Gavin had helped me install iOS 8 on my iPhone 5S and iPad. First things, how do I remove the people’s faces from the recent screen. I really don’t want to see some of the faces there. Setting the alarm. The layouts changed and it threw me. I don’t like change. I’m not a tech person and therefore once I have worked out how to use something, change is not wanted for the sake of changes. The changes to all the other apps and menus is also a little confusing. I am sure after spending some more time with my iPhone it will become easier. I was really looking forward to the Health app, but Gavin informs me its functionality with Third Party apps has been removed temporarily due to a bug. Hmmm. There is a lot of changes and to be honest I don’t like them really at the moment. However, I did notice a Tips app from Apple. Thank goodness for this. I will have a read over time. Overall, I am feel frustrated over this update.
My final thoughts then got me wondering how iOS 8 and app updates/improvements would define the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. I believe these new iPhones after a 3 month period will really produce one of the best mobile phone user experiences. The new iPhones may not have the highest spec sheet, but I do believe the total sum of all the parts, software and hardware will be a difficult force to beat.
However, whilst today is the official launch of the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, it is also pre order day for the Samsung Note 4 in the UK. Now that is a coincidence!
So if you are now using the iPhone 6, please let me know and everyone else your initial thoughts: )
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 
I think Windows updates across the world is very impressive not sure you can claim that only Apple can do this.
User experience versus user requirements and flexibility to choose, dicusss.
LikeLike
Windows Phone updates are crap. Windows pc’s maybe different but I don’t know as I don’t use one any more. Phones don’t get the updates on the same day let alone same week. Many people are getting their Windows phones bricked on latest update.
LikeLike
Gavin, I was only referring to Windows for PCs and laptops. The installed base s much bigger than IOS and Microsoft do manage massive distribution of software. And even you mentioned the nightmare Iphone 5C users may now face, so not sure we can throw bricks only at Microsoft.
LikeLike
I wasn’t just their phones. As you said 5C owners are also in a predicament.
LikeLike
It bricked my device into a never ending loop of white background and black logo. I don’t use a PC or Mac, but a Chromebook, so I don’t use iTunes.
Had to take it to a computer shop where it was fixed for £10
LikeLike
I have updated my iPad 4 but it’s only a 16gb version so the storage requirement was a little tricky. I tried to update using iTunes but it wasn’t available so my only option was to free up some space. I realised from the usage stats that my photos were taking up over 3gb. I unticked the sync photos option, deleted a few apps, did the update, and then reticked to get the photos back.
The process went very smoothly once the space was free. Download took about 30mins, preparing the update took about the same and install took about 20.
I am a little disappointed because I was led to believe that there were loads of Andoidesque tweaks but I haven’t found them yet. It seems pretty similar to how it was before. I guess that it’s only if you are tied into the whole Apple ecosystem that you really benefit. There a few nice features so I’m glad I updated but it wasn’t straightforward and I can understand why many haven’t.
LikeLike
I’m still not sure what I did wrong – I had enough space, the phone was charged. I guess it happens sometimes, and did happen to me once with an old Symbian Nokia.
LikeLike