Apple is taking its sweet time with releasing the next in line patch to the iOS 8: the greatly anticipated iOS 8.2 update. While this is not the only focus of the update, the greatest thing about 8.2 is the preliminary preparation it’s undergoing to ease the launch of the Apple Watch onto the market and complimenting its functionalities, while ensuring the device is operating properly under the new operating system version.
The Apple Watch is the first new major product to make its way out since the iPad and excitement in regards to its release is up to par with the rarity of such an event.
When it comes to iOS 8, there has been a serious number of issues regarding it ever since its release. While the newest models of the iPhone family – more specifically iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus – have only been hindered or slightly held back by several bugs which got fixed later nonetheless through the released updates and subsequent patches.
Older models of the iPhone however sadly took the brunt of the iOS 8; because of that, the operating system’s rate of adoption proved to be the slowest ever in iOS history. The adoption rate somewhat increased following the 8.1.3 update, bringing it to an approximate 70% worldwide on all compatible devices as we speak.
The list of devices that are compatible with iOS 8 is any iPhone ranging from iPhone 4S and above, iPad Air, Air 2, mini, mini 2, mini 3, iPad 2, 3rd generation iPad and fifth generation iPod Touch. Considering the iOS 8 came packed with the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus respectively, 70% is still a low percentage of coverage. Come iOS 8.2 however, a lot of faults in the original operating system are hoped to be resolved and thus have the platform gain more popularity than it so far has.
There’s no known launch date for the iOS 8.2 as of now, but taking Apple’s pattern of releasing updates – even just patches, not necessarily full, brand-new operating system upgrades – we could still be looking at a lengthier wait as the company normally takes its time with the beta and testing processes before the final version makes it out to devices. However, several rumors suggest that the iOS 8.2 update is expected to arrive sometime in March, but nothing has been confirmed by the official statements of the company.
iOS 8.2 Known Features
Obviously, the most important one is iconic for the release itself – support for the upcoming Apple Watch. While there is no dedicated Apple Watch application as of yet, or at least not one available for beta testing or other users, there are strong hints that one is in development for the product. In the latest beta version, the Bluetooth settings menu includes additional messages and features apparently dedicated to Apple Watch.
One of the messages explicitly sends the user to download and use the Apple Watch app in order to be able to pair and sync your iPhone to the Apple Watch. That, along with the release of the WatchKit software development that gives developers the ability to create applications for the upcoming Apple Watch are the main focus of the 8.2 update.
But that’s not where the patch ends. A series of fixes is expected to come with it as well, most likely focusing on improving performance and the well-known Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and battery issues. Patch notes have been unusually secretive in regards to the exact changes that are being pushed to resolve these issues and there are chances that we won’t be getting any literal, written form of them until the actual release.
Hopefully however, iPhone 4S and iPad 2 running iOS 8 will be getting a strong look at; although recent patches – e.g. 8.1.x ones – have tangibly made an attempt at fixing performance issues on older models and things are not as bad as they used to be for non iPhone 6 users, the operating system is still a far way off from being smooth on said devices.
So if you’re looking towards purchasing an Apple Watch later this year, when it’s planned to hit the stores, the iOS 8.2 will be there to your assistance. The device was announced at Apple’s iPhone 6 event and is supposedly a release that will redefine the iOS in a sense. If you’ve seen any photos of the Apple Watch, you probably have noticed the dial that adorns the device on its right hand side edge.
That is no fashion statement meant to make the Apple Watch resemble an actual watch; instead of being there just for the kicks of it, the dial – named by Apple the “digital crown” – is a functional feature that will allow you to zoom in and out when viewing different types of content, replacing the classic two-finger pinch that we’ve grown accustomed to on smartphones and other handheld devices that incorporate a touchscreen. The digital crown can also be pressed, taking you back to the home screen as a result, just like the home button on the iPhone normally would.
All of these features will, naturally, attract iOS changes themselves but given the fact that we’re not looking at a whole new operating system altogether, the update will still keep its general feel in place. Most of the ways things work on the current version will be applicable just as well on the Apple Watch, such as swiping in different directions to get different kinds of information – music, calendar, notes, utilities and everything else.
The Apple Watch will be released with three types of models, each model coming in two sizes. There is a regular Apple Watch, an Apple Watch Sport and an Apple Watch Edition. Given the expected functionalities of the Sport version, the iHealth app seems that it will be getting several tweaks itself to make best use of your device when working out and keeping an eye on your day to day activity.
Along with the various models that you will be able to choose from if you’re looking at purchasing the Apple Watch come six different types of straps you can select from to go with your device – differing in size or material, you’ll be able to pick from either thin or thicker leather straps, stainless steel ones, with a few different clasps for them as well.
There is not much amount of news on the prices of the Apple Watches: apparently prices will begin at $350 for entry level watches and will be going as high as thousands of dollars for the rumored 18-karat gold built Apple Watch Edition.
