iOS 7.1.2 Update Addresses Minor Bugs: Apple
It’s time to power up your iPhones, iPads and iPod touches: iOS 7.1.2 is here. The latest update to Apple’s mobile operating system dropped on Monday.
According to Apple, iOS 7.1.2 improves security and addresses bugs. It also:
- Addresses iBeacon connectivity and stability
- Fixes a bug with data transfer for some 3rd party accessories, including bar code scanners, and
- Corrects an issue with data protection class of Mail attachments.
The International Business Times also notes that the iOS 7.1.2 update addresses an ongoing security problem.
[iOS 7.1.2] also fixes another bug that would allow attackers to steal a phone’s full list of contacts via Siri, if they had physical possession of the phone. The issue has been patched by adding a passcode check to open the full contact list via Siri.
As reported in the Inquisitr, the previous operating system, iOS 7.1.1, was released in April.
Apple’s mobile operating system will undergo an overhaul this fall, with the release of iOS 8. Apple is already hyping it up, saying “iOS 8 is the biggest iOS release ever — for developers and everyone else”.
It promises updates to the Photos, iMessage and the keyboard applications. The search function, Spotlight, is expected to be improved alongside iCloud.
iOS 8 will also include the much-awaited Health application. Apple is selling it as an integrated way for users to manage their health information. Current mock-ups of the Health application show options to track medications, lab results and vital signs.
According to Apple, iOS 8 will allow developers to access user health data to improve apps.
You choose what you want shared. For example, you can allow the data from your blood pressure app to be automatically shared with your doctor. Or allow your nutrition app to tell your fitness apps how many calories you consume each day.
Apple has not given a firm date for the release of iOS 8. The new operating system will be compatible with most current iOS devices, with one big exception: the iPhone 4.
MacRumors speculates “[the iPhone 4] will likely be now be discontinued again in the near future”.
In the meantime, iOS 7.1.2 is available free for Mac users. The operating system is compatible with:
- iPhone 4 or later
- iPad 2 or later
- iPad mini or later, and
- iPod touch (5th generation).
Download the software update by connecting your device to iTunes and opening the “Check for Updates” option.
For Mac users on the go, iOS 7.1.2 can also be downloaded via Wi-Fi. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to access iOS 7.1.2
