IosUpdate
Latest
Half of all iOS devices are running iOS 12
More than half of all iPhones, iPads, and iPods are running iOS 12, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system, just over three weeks after the OS was released. Folks are taking to iOS 12 way faster than its predecessor. It took 50 days—about twice as long—for iOS 11 to reach 50 percent of devices, as documented by ZDNet.
Apple pulls update for iPad Pro after bricking reports
Apple's pulled the latest iOS update (9.3.2) for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, following reports that this version of the software was bricking some devices. To make matters worse, the affected tablets can't be restored through iTunes, even though owners are being prompted to try that computer-based method. It's unclear what caused the issue, but Apple says it's already working on a fix.
Apple explains its busted iOS 8.0.1 update
Sure, Apple's already fixed that buggy iOS 8.0.1 update that disconnected devices from their networks and just pretty much broke iPhones for a while. It's even been a month since then, but you still can't let it go until you get an explanation, huh? Well, friends, this is probably the closest thing you'll ever get: apparently, there was nothing wrong with the update itself, and it was Apple's distribution methods or how the update was "wrapped" that broke devices. At Recode's Code/Mobile conference earlier, Apple product marketing executive Greg "Joz" Joswiak said the issue resulted from "the way the software was being sent over servers," though he didn't go into specifics. He also defended his company, claiming that mistakes are inevitable when you're pushing software and that Apple always tries to fix them quickly. Since Joz dismissed questions on whether he thinks the company has bigger quality control issues, you'll just have to speculate about that on your own.
Microsoft brings auto photo backup to SkyDrive for iOS
Microsoft has improved its SkyDrive app by letting users opt to have their photos automatically backed up to Microsoft's cloud storage. SkyDrive provides users with 7 GB of free storage just for signing up. That's a lot of photos to save on the cloud. Because Microsoft has implemented SkyDrive across its myriad of services (Windows, iOS, Xbox One, etc.) this new update has a leg up on its auto backup offered by competitor Dropdox. You can't pull up your Dropbox photos on your shiny new Xbox One. Of course depending on what sort of photos you take with your iPhone, this could be a mixed blessing. It would be terrible if you were trying to pull up a cute picture of your cat to show your mom only to accidentally show her that wild night where your friends talked you into jello wrestling. Progress has its dangers. SkyDrive's latest update also improved integration with OneNote and Office Mobile for iOS, allowing users to edit Office documents or create plain text files directly from the app. Currently the updated features are only available on iOS devices. Sorry Android fans. You can find the update now in the iTunes store.
Riding-sharing service Lyft updates its iOS app with multiple-credit card support, new cities
You may have already seen a Lyft driver without knowing it. If not, you will. One day, you'll be on your way to the grocery store, and a car will pass you. That car will be wearing a funny pink mustache. And someone will be getting a ride. Lyft is a ride-sharing program that draws from a community of drivers who have passed background checks and personality screenings. Once you make your account, simply set your pick-up location in the app and request a ride. You will be picked up by a Lyft driver in their personal vehicle; they'll take you to the store or the movies; and you pay them via a donation. Currently, the company runs in a limited number of cities, though it is expanding every month. Lyft is currently available in these cities: Atlanta, Ga. Boston, Mass. Charlotte, NC Chicago, Ill. Dallas, Texas Denver, Colo. Indianapolis, Ind. Los Angeles, Calif. Phoenix, Ariz. San Diego, Calif. San Francisco, Calif. Seattle, Wash. Silicon Valley, Calif. St. Paul, Minn. Washington, DC Denver, Dallas and Silicon Valley are the latest editions. The company's iOS app makes getting a ride quick and easy. Using GPS, it shows you how many drivers are in your area and allows you to quickly give them your location. The Lyft app then gives you a suggested donated amount to pay the driver. In my experience in Atlanta, the drivers have always been clean, fun to ride with and quick to respond. This past week, the app was updated with a number of new features that are sure to please regular users. Lyft now supports multiple credit cards, meaning if you use it for business and pleasure, you can quickly move to the right account. This ability has been integrated into the donation screen. The app has also been optimized to increase its driver signup flow. If you find yourself often looking for a ride and live in one of these cities, give Lyft a try. It's an interesting take on getting where you're going.
Gmail for iOS updated with improved Drive integration and attachment viewing
This past June, Gmail launched its top-to-bottom redesign of its iOS app, but that doesn't mean it can't already be improved. Google has released Version 2.4 of the email app, bringing with it the addition of increased integration with Drive and Google+. Now when you send a link in-app to one of those platforms, those links will open in their respective apps. This will be particularly useful when sharing documents and spreadsheets from one Drive to another. If, for some savage reason, you'd rather keep these links opening up in the web, you can update the app's settings. But why would you do such things? Version 2.4 also includes a new, enhanced attachment experience, providing larger thumbnails that can be opened up for a full-screen viewing experience. You can find the latest version of Gmail for iOS, as always, in the App Store.
WordPress app update adds new Native Reader and improved account management
Wordpress has updated its iOS app to version 3.7 to provide readers with an improved browsing experience. The app's new Reader is designed to enhance the user experience by being rebuilt from the ground up with 100 percent native code, an improvement from the original Reader's blend of JavaScript and native code. Account management has also been improved, although it may take some users a while to notice as the improvements are entirely under-the-hood. Visually, the app looks the same, but WordPress owners Automattic have improved how the app connects to the various services used to manage WP sites. The iOS app now does a better job of connecting to Jetpack, the online Reader and notification features. In addition to these improvements and the usual bug fixes, version 3.7 changes how the View Admin feature works, at it now opens a page in Safari instead of inside the app. Finally, the update is rounded out with the addition of Thai language support. WordPress is already working on the iOS 7 version of the app, and has launched a new blog for fans to follow the progress of their mobile development. You can find version 3.7 of the WordPress app now in the iTunes store.
iOS 4.3.2 rumored to arrive within two weeks
On the heels of the March 25 iOS 4.3.1 release, BGR suggests that another update is on the way. iOS 4.3.2 is rumored to be released within the next two weeks for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. There's not much information yet, but it's expected to fix some security issues, add a few enhancements and squash some bugs that have bitten users. Do I smell a battery life fix coming?
