Apple releases iOS 8.1 with Apple Pay support for iPhone 6 & 6 Plus, SMS relay, iCloud Photo Library
Right on schedule, Apple on Monday released iOS 8.1, bringing the new Apple Pay e-wallet functionality to iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users. In addition, the update includes the new beta iCloud Photo Library, SMS relay and Instant Hotspot when paired with a Mac or iPad, and the return of the Camera Roll in the Photos app.
iOS 8.1 is now available for download in the Software Update section of native Settings app on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. The most prominent feature, Apple Pay, is currently restricted to the U.S. only.
Changes to Photos include the new iCloud Photo Library, and an alert when running low on space before capturing Time Lapse photos. iOS 8.1 also brings back the My Photo Stream album when the iCloud Photo Library is not enabled.
New features for the Messages application include the ability for iPhone users to send and receive SMS and MMS text messages from their iPad and Mac. The update also resolves an issue where search would sometimes not display results, and it fixes a bug that caused read messages to not be marked as read. iOS 8.1 also fixes issues with group messaging.
Other features, fixes and changes in iOS 8.1 include:
Finally, iOS 8.1 also includes a number of accessibilities improvements and fixes. According to Apple, they are:
iOS 8.1 is now available for download in the Software Update section of native Settings app on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. The most prominent feature, Apple Pay, is currently restricted to the U.S. only.
Changes to Photos include the new iCloud Photo Library, and an alert when running low on space before capturing Time Lapse photos. iOS 8.1 also brings back the My Photo Stream album when the iCloud Photo Library is not enabled.
New features for the Messages application include the ability for iPhone users to send and receive SMS and MMS text messages from their iPad and Mac. The update also resolves an issue where search would sometimes not display results, and it fixes a bug that caused read messages to not be marked as read. iOS 8.1 also fixes issues with group messaging.
Other features, fixes and changes in iOS 8.1 include:
- Resolves issues with Wi-Fi performance that could occur when connected to some base stations
- Fixes an issue that could prevent connections to Bluetooth hands-free devices
- Fixes bugs that could cause screen rotation to stop working
- Adds an option to select between 2G, 3G or LTE networks for cellular data
- Fixes an issue in Safari where videos would sometimes not play
- Adds AirDrop support for Passbook passes
- Adds an option to enable Dictation in Settings for Keyboards, separate from Siri
- Enables HealthKit apps to access data in the background
- Fixes an issue that was preventing the use of OS X Caching Server for iOS updates
Finally, iOS 8.1 also includes a number of accessibilities improvements and fixes. According to Apple, they are:
- Fixes an issue that prevented Guided Access from working properly
- Fixes a bug where VoiceOver would not work with third-party keyboards
- Improves stability and audio quality when using MFi Hearing Aids with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- Fixes an issue with VoiceOver where tone dialing would get stuck on a tone until dialing another number
- Improves reliability when using handwriting, Bluetooth keyboards and Braille displays with VoiceOver
Comments
Also my Air 2 has moved to preparing for shipment, yay.
[COLOR=white](Too soon?)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=white].[/COLOR]
Thanks.
All this complaining that Apple only added Touch ID to iPad mini 3, but for Apple Pay to work on iPad mini 3 for in app purchases, they must of also had some Secure Element changes on that model as well. That is more than I can say for my 5S.
WARNING - This update turned me into a newt.
Mine turned me into Superman! I can fly now! This is.grligjaelbnZAL
Other features, fixes and changes in iOS 8.1 include:
The screen rotation issues, along with Mobile Safari's inability to actually select text, and the glitchy video playback have been the three most annoying iOS bugs I've ever seen. All are common use cases, and missing those bugs shows a lack of adequate testing.
Hopefully the Bluetooth issues with various car manufacturers have also been worked out.
The return of Camera Roll shows Apple does listen, at least selectively.
That said, I'm waiting a couple of days to find out if this release is actually stable. You guys knock yourselves out.
I wonder if places like Walgreens/McDonald's have every store prepared to accept already.
Preparing update. Hopefully this goes well.
I wonder if places like Walgreens/McDonald's have every store prepared to accept already.
I've actually been considering punishing myself with McDonalds just to try ApplePay.
"WARNING - This update turned me into a newt"
Gingrich? OMG!
Looks like mine to proceeding nicely... Preparing Update now!
from my mac's iTunes.... (just because I'm about to spend the day driving), it's not even allowing connections.
well... We're Waiting!
Hopefully this fixes all my resprings...
Got the same message on my Mac's iTunes. Blargghhh! This is another example of how quick Apple users are to update!
Sorry to hear that, buddy- I must have timed it just right... Mine's all done: OTA in about 15 minutes. Posting from 8.1 on 6 Plus now!
Thank goodness for fibre broadband although my estimated download time keeps jumping backwards and forwards between 3 and 12 minutes...
And here we see the down side of having installed the beta - my OTA is giving me the full 1.7Gb enchilada rather than the 127Mb delta update from 8.02....
Thank goodness for fibre broadband although my estimated download time keeps jumping backwards and forwards between 3 and 12 minutes...
127MB on my iPhone 6, 97MB on my iPad Air. I started the 6 install first but the Air is winning, less to change I suppose.