iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus Update: iOS 10.0.3 Now Available To Address Verizon LTE Connectivity Problems

An iOS update for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus was released just recently by Apple. Bringing iOS 10 to version 10.0.3, it seems like the firmware update is particularly useful for Verizon customers.

According to the Verge, iOS 10.0.3 was rolled out mainly to fix the LTE connectivity issues experienced by iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus owners on Verizon.

“Apple released an iOS update today to address the complaints of thousands of Verizon customers who were experiencing signal drops and unexplainable issues with GPS when using the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus,” the report specified.

Complaints were reported late last month that the iPhone 7 units on Verizon were erratically dropping the LTE signal, reverting to 3G or 2G connection, or showing the “No Service” icon when users try to use Waze or Google Maps. It seemed like the problem has something to do with the phone’s interaction with the Verizon network, with theories that it could be how the Big Red “handles transmitting voice and cellular data simultaneously,” the Verge further explained.

This iPhone 7 Verizon LTE issue is getting annoying. Often find I'm on 3G until I cycle airplane mode. Anyone else?

— Chris Wagner (@cwagdev) October 7, 2016

It was mentioned by Apple Insider that the issue was also experienced by some AT&T customers though not that rampant compared to those subscribed under Verizon.

A temporary fix discovered was to toggle the “Enable LTE” function to “Data Only” in the settings menu, but with the iOS 10.0.3 update now available for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the LTE connection should already work smoothly.

The firmware update is available only to Apple’s newest smartphone offering, which means those who own previous iPhone models will not receive the update. To install iOS 10.0.3, head to the Settings panel of the smartphone and then select General. Tap Software Update to start the download and installation of the firmware with build number 14A551. Another way to access iOS 10.0.3 is to connect the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus to iTunes on a Mac or PC.

Another major iOS update is expected to arrive soon to iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and other compatible Apple devices. iOS 10.1 is currently in testing, with the beta version now available to registered developers and public testers. A previous report from the Inquisitr noted that one of the biggest highlights of iOS 10.1 will bring in a new feature to the iPhone 7 Plus’ camera.

The forthcoming version of iOS 10 is set to add Portrait mode in the camera settings of the bigger iPhone 7 variant. Through the bokeh effect, which results in having a blurred background and more focused subject, the mode allows users to take better photos using the dual camera setup of the rear-facing primary shooter.

Apple has yet to announce the official release date of iOS 10.1, but it is reportedly coming later this October. For non-developers wanting to experience iOS 10.1 as early as now, the first step needed to access the beta is to sign up with Apple’s official Beta Software Program. Enroll the iOS device afterward.

Tech website GSM Arena has this to say for those looking into getting the iOS 10.1 Beta.

“Note that this is still in ‘Beta’ mode, which means there could be bugs and inconsistencies, or limited features (such as inability to record video in this mode) when using the iSight Duo camera in Portrait Mode.”

“iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus dramatically improve every aspect of the iPhone experience, reaching a new level of innovation and precision to make this the best iPhone we have ever made,” Philip Schiller, the senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing for the Cupertino-based tech giant, shared via Apple Newsroom. “The completely redesigned cameras shoot incredible photos and videos day or night, the A10 Fusion chip is the most powerful chip on any smartphone while delivering the best battery life ever in an iPhone, and an entirely new stereo speaker system provides twice the sound, all within the first water and dust resistant iPhone.”

[Featured Image by Sean Gallup/Getty Images]