The release of iOS 8 has been a bumpy road for Apple, which has released several updates to its latest mobile operating system to address connectivity, performance, and accessibility glitches. On Monday, Apple released their latest update, iOS 8.1.1 and early reports indicate that this version might help you iron out remaining glitches and secure your Apple devices against the latest mobile threats.
Forbes points out that this update release marks the “first time Apple has ever seeded a beta iOS patch in its history,” in an article describing users’ first impressions of iOS 8.1.1. It’s likely that Apple relied on developer feedback before the release of this mobile update, since the company’s official software development kit webpage includes clear instructions for bug reporting and known issues.
The update notes this time around are sparse. Users who navigate to the “Software Update” option on their iOS devices will see a brief note that states, “This release includes bug fixes, increased stability, and performance improvements for iPad 2 and iPhone 4s.” Apple also links to their support webpage detailing security updates for their technology.
This brief description of iOS 8.1.1’s bug fixes is interesting, since previous releases included a full laundry list of issues address. For example, when iOS 8.1 was launched, it came with detailed notes about various bug fixes. However, Apple’s brief notes on the iOS 8.1.1 release may be justified due to current security threats to mobile devices. The official security content notes for iOS 8.1.1 states, “Apple does not disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until a full investigation has occurred and any necessary patches or releases are available.”
It’s worth noting that Apple issues credit to PanguTeam, an iOS jailbreaking organization, since they alerted the tech company about dyld, sandbox profiles, and kernel vulnerabilities. Cult of Mac explains that Apple has issued past shout-outs to jailbreak organizations regarding security tips, stating, “Apple has previously credited the evad3rs jailbreak team with helping it to discover weaknesses in iOS.”
Apple’s iOS 8.1.1 addresses a browser cache bug that could leave data behind even while you’re browsing privately and a lock screen glitch that could enable cyber-criminals to bypass the attempt limit while trying to breach an iOS device.
You can update to iOS 8.1.1 by connecting your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your computer and launching iTunes. You can also update it wirelessly by opening your device settings, selecting “General,” and choosing “Software Update.”