iOS 10.1.1 Released For Apple’s iPhones, Fixes ‘Serious’ Bug

iOS 10.1.1 has been released by Apple to fix what one report called a “serious” bug in the iOS 10 operating system.

According to Forbes, the iOS 10.1.1 update is relatively simple and addresses a bug in the operating system that would erase medical data associated with the “Health” app, which users often use to track miles, heart rate, and other items. This data can be exported to medical professionals or simply be used to track progress with exercise and overall health.

“Weighing in at just 70MB (size varies slightly depending on device), iOS 10.1.1 has no security patches and just a single line description: ‘This update fixes bugs including an issue where Health data could not be viewed for some users,'” Forbes reported.

The site goes on to note that iOS 10.1.1 not only makes it possible to track health data again, but it will bring back all missing health data that was lost with the last iOS update.

What if you have not yet updated your iOS to iOS 10, much less the latest iOS 10.1.1? Mac Rumors explains the reasons you may want to go ahead and do the upgrade to iOS 10.1.1 (i.e. the latest version of iOS 10).

“iOS 10 is a major update that includes features like a redesigned Lock screen experience, a revamped Messages app with a full App Store, a Siri SDK for developers, new looks and features for Maps and Apple Music, and tons more. Make sure to check out our iOS 10 roundup for details. “

Mac Rumors also notes that software upgrades – namely iOS 10.1.1 – will prevent you from being able to downgrade to previous iOS 10 versions, including iOS 10.0.2 and iOS 10.0.3. So if you upgrade to iOS 10.1.1, you must be certain you want to have the latest software upgrade because you will be stuck with it.

Forbes goes into a bit more detail on whether the typical iOS user should upgrade to iOS 10.1.1. The same goes for those who are using jailbroken iOS versions, though it reports that there is no jailbreak yet available for iOS 10.

“Consequently if you’re hanging back on iOS 9 to enjoy your jailbroken device, it goes without saying that you should not update to iOS 10.1.1,” Forbes suggests.

If you are expecting further updates with the iOS 10.1.1 update, Forbes suggests you do not hold your breath.

“As for the release notes implying there are other fixes beside the Health update, nothing has been explicitly stated by Apple and I haven’t been able to find any from my investigations to date,” the website said.

“That aside iOS 10.1.1 appears to do nothing else of value. It has no security updates and no new features Apple is willing to declare. Consequently, while problems with iOS 10.1.1 remain isolated, there is no good reason to take the risk. Especially with Apple’s sketchy reliability record with iOS updates in recent years.”

While Forbes is not suggesting that the typical user upgrade to iOS 10.1.1, it did break news in the announcement that a beta of iOS 10.2 is now available for users. It suggests that while iOS 10.1.1 did not break new ground in its update, the iOS 10.2 beta 1 could offer a few new features sure to set the iOS world on fire – new emojis and new wallpaper options.

As for why there are so many updates, the report above is correct in noting that Apple has missed the mark with updates for iOS in recent years, with iOS 10 being no different. Owning a variety of mobile devices from an iPad to an iPhone, I have held off on the updates for that very reason. Once Apple gets iOS 10 out to the masses without bugs, it may be worth an upgrade to iOS 10.1.1 or a later version. But for now, you may want to give Apple a bit more time to work out the kinks.

[Featured Image by Sean Gallup/Getty Images]