On September 17, iOS 8 hit the market and users rushed to install the newest software upgrade. Some haven’t been impressed, however, citing performance and compatibility issues, while sites like Forbes say the update “has significantly improved the functionality” of Apple’s operating system. So what’s the bottom line—should users upgrade to iOS 8 now, later, or not at all?
Too Old for iOS 8?
Those who decided to jump in and buy an iPhone 6 are running iOS 8 by default, but what about users with older phones or tablets? According to Phone Arena, the 4s and all newer-model iPhones can access the upgrade, along with all iPad 2s or better. This means users don’t need to trade in their old phone to get the new iOS—although recent data from 9to5Mac warns of slower app loading times on 4s phones running iOS 8. For example, Safari boots up in an average of 1.25 seconds on an iPhone 4s running iOS 7.1.2, but it takes a whopping 2.16 seconds on iOS 8.
Reasons to Upgrade Now
For iPhone 5 and 5s users keen on the upgrade to iOS 8, there are several compelling reasons to make the jump. First, is a vastly improved photo app; not only does it finally come with a search feature, but it starts populating the results with images as users type. What’s more, photophiles are given far greater ability to edit snapshots with more than a dozen sliders for values like color, light, contrast, and saturation.
Apple has also made life easier for parents and children with “Family Sharing.” Users under 13 years old can now create their own Apple ID, which is then linked to an adult’s account for billing. When kids try to buy apps or music, parents get an approval request. Up to six users total can share apps, music, and movies across devices with the ability to “hide” apps as required—although this does require the use of iTunes on the desktop. Third-party keyboard apps also got the go-ahead in iOS 8.
There are also a few “hidden” features, according to Lifehacker, such as the ability to insert rich text, videos, and animated GIFs into Notes. It’s now possible to activate Siri hands-free by enabling “Hey Siri” in Settings–>General–>Siri. Once turned on, users need only say, “Hey Siri” when the device is plugged in, rather than touching the home button. Credit-card purchases via Safari have been upgraded as well—it’s now possible to take a picture of the card, have iOS 8 grab the number, and then fill in the blank automatically.
Wait and See?
There are also a few reasons to consider taking a pass on the upgrade to iOS 8, at least for now. As noted by Tech Times, the new update is big—a full gigabyte—but more worrisome is the fact that it requires a device to have 5 GB of storage space available before the download will even start, although it is possible to get around this requirement by hooking up the device to a desktop running iTunes 11.4.
Other users are finding smaller but equally frustrating problems, such as poor Wi-Fi service, decreased battery life, issues with Family Sharing “seeing” all purchases on a network, and older third-party apps simply not working with the new OS. Jailbroken phones are reverted to their old, caged status, and there’s currently no jailbreak available for iOS 8.
The Bottom Line
Most users are having no problem with iOS 8, and for those running an iPhone 5, 5s, or 5c, there are a number of significant upgrades in the new software package. It’s not a must-have, however. For iPhone owners with limited storage space, jailbroken phones, or who have no interest in updated photo apps, family plans, or keyboards, it may be worth holding off until Apple has a few iterations down the road.
What’s your take on iOS 8? Essential upgrade, or more trouble than it’s worth?
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[/cf]