Wednesday wasn’t a shining moment in the history of Apple software updates, as a rogue iOS 8.0.1 patch intended to fix a few smaller issues wound up causing big problems for iPhone 6 owners. A fix is on the way, but in the meantime Apple has detailed instructions on how to get those devices working again, and today’s Morning Report also has details on a new AppleSeed test and bulletproof screen protectors for the latest iPhones.
Apple Preparing iOS 8.0.2 Update, Downgrade Recommended
As many iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus owners discovered Wednesday, the seemingly modest iOS 8.0.1 took away more than it offered in the first place — in this case, cellular connectivity and Touch ID functionality. Apple managed to yank the rogue update soon after it first appeared, but the damage was already done for hundreds (perhaps thousands) of users who had already downloaded it.
As many have already discovered, the solution for now is to downgrade to iOS 8.0 using iTunes on a Mac or PC, and Apple’s new support document outlines the process, which involves first making a backup on the desktop, since iCloud backups cannot be used to restore earlier versions.
Apple warns that the downgrade will completely disable the Health app, but notes engineers are already hard at work on iOS 8.0.2, which promises to fix all of these issues when it’s “ready in the next few days.”
AppleSeed Users Invited to OS X Yosemite “AirDrop Test Fest”
As noted yesterday by 9to5Mac, Apple has started enlisting members of its AppleSeed program to help work out any final kinks in the updated AirDrop functionality of OS X Yosemite, which Cupertino is expected to make public next month. According to the invitation, the so-called “AirDrop Test Fest” guides AppleSeed users through a variety of tests, with a survey available in the beta Feedback Assistant for providing input on the AirDrop feature.
The AirDrop Test Fest kicked off at noon PST on Wednesday, and is expected to run through this Sunday, September 28. AppleSeed members are encouraged to join in a special discussion topic for collecting information. To participate, you’ll need a 2012 or later Mac for the new AirDrop functionality, as well as a legacy Mac capable of existing Mac-to-Mac transfers; the use of an iOS device running iOS 7 or iOS 8 is optional.
Bulletproof Screen Protectors Now Available for iPhone 6
It’s someone ironic that so much attention is being paid to the flexibility of the new iPhone 6 models, but little has been said about the potential vulnerability of the glass display, which has historically been a weak spot for any smartphone. Sir Lancelot’s Armor announced availability of new screen protectors for the iPhone 6 line this week, but these aren’t made from just any flimsy plastic.
Part of the company’s Holy Grail series, the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Bulletproof Glass Screen Protectors started shipping this week, using the same “groundbreaking material’ as previous products in the lineup made from actual bulletproof glass. The iPhone 6 model is available now for $29.99, while the iPhone 6 Plus model sells for $32.99 (both prices are discounted from usual $39.99).
Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter
More: continued here