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iOS 11.3 is available nowby Olivia |
iOS 11.3 is here and it’s the big one. This is the release which will
change how every iPad, iPhone and iPod touch will function on a
fundamental level. But does that mean you should immediately upgrade, or
is iOS 11.3 filled with similar problems
to many recent iOS 11 releases?
Here’s everything you need to know…
Apple iOS 11.3
Who Is iOS 11.3 For?
As with all previous iOS 11 releases, iOS 11.3 is compatible with the
iPhone 5S or later, iPad mini 2 or later and 6th generation iPod touch
or later. Strangely, Apple released iOS 11.3 early for the newly
released 2018 iPad but it is now being widely rolled out.
If you have a compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, Apple should
automatically prompt you to install the update. If this hasn’t happened
for whatever reason, however, it can be manually triggered manually by
going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple iOS beta testers, remember you may have to unroll your device for the update to appear.
While iOS updates always vary in size (different features/fixes apply to
different devices), iOS 11.3 is much bigger than normal coming in at
700MB. If you are upgrading from iOS 10 (or even iOS 9), note that iOS
11.3 will roll up all iOS 11 releases into a single major upgrade so
expect that to be several gigabytes.
The Deal Breakers
First, the mandatory jailbreak warning: iOS 11.3 will break jailbroken
iPhones, iPads and iPod touch. In December Google released iOS 11.2.2
exploit details which some expected would lead to faster jailbreaks for
subsequent iOS releases, but that has yet to materialise. So if you like
your iDevice jailbroken, steer clear.
What about initial iOS 11.3 stability reports? So far they are
predictably heated for a major release. Perhaps the irony for an update
focused on performance and battery life is there are multiple reports of
the former 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 etc) and latter (1 2 3 4 5 6 etc) causing
problems. There are also notable graphics glitches (1, 2 3 4 5), Apple
Music (1 2 3 4) bugs and false notifications, particularly in messaging
apps (1 2 3 4). As well as a truly bizarre 'invisible keyboard' problem
for some users and random Siri activations (1 2).
As always I will update this article should any of these problems
above escalate or any new issues be found. Unfortunately, this has been
necessary for almost all iOS 11 releases to date, so remember to check
this article for updates before you decide to take the plunge.
So What Do You Get?
Apple iOS 11.3 is ‘the big one’ because it will give users full control
of how their devices function for the first time. Controversially Apple
admitted it previously throttled device performance as batteries age to
maintain system stability. The fact users didn’t know this has prompted
no less than 59 class action lawsuits and global government scrutiny
with claims this throttling misled owners into buying new handsets when
they only needed a new battery.
Apple iOS 11.3 changes that. In Apple’s own (rather more conservative) words:
“iOS 11.3 introduces new features including ARKit 1.5 with support
for more immersive augmented reality experiences, iPhone Battery Health
(Beta), new Animoji for iPhone X users, and more. This update also
includes stability improvements and bug fixes."
Yes, 'iPhone Battery Health' is downplayed and how it works is somewhat
controversial, but the changes may just be enough to not only mitigate
the extensive legal action against the company and detailed battery
health data should inspire rivals to make similar changes.
Looking beyond this, iOS 11.3 also has several significant features and
fixes beyond the opening of augmented reality experiences for developers
and some additional animoji (dragon, bear, skull, and lion):
Apple News - a new 'For You' section displays personalised content and videos.
Advanced Mobile Location (AML) - shares your location automatically when making an emergency call (not available in all countries yet).
Apple Music Music Videos - a new music videos section has been
added at the last minute (it wasn't in most betas) as well as friend
suggestions to improve community interaction.
App Store - reviews can finally be sorted by Most Helpful, Most
Favorable, Most Critical and Most Recent, which should make them far
more useful. The Updates tab also includes app update sizes.
Business Chat - businesses can now to integrate customer
support directly into the Messages app. Delta, Hilton, Low and Wells
Fargo are among the launch partners.
Updated Privacy Screen - part of a wider design update for submitting personal info to Apple or following new app requests
Among the less consumer-facing features is also HomeKit software
authentication, which should significantly expand the number of devices
which can support HomeKit. On the negative side, however, I am
investigating two surprising feature omissions which appear to have been
removed at the last minute. I will update this article when I know
more.
Security Improvements
There are important security fixes in iOS 11.3 too. Of particular note
in Apple's official list are a series of security patches to WebKit and
Safari and vulnerabilities found in Mail, iCloud Drive, Telephony, Find
My Phone and even the Clock.
What isn’t listed though, is whether Apple has fixed the bizarre Siri
calculator bug which also exists on MacOS or patched the even
stranger disappearing battery icon glitch widely reported in iOS 11.2.6
last month. Based on early feedback from affected users, it seems not.
In all honesty, I suspect iOS 11.3.1 won’t be far away, not just for the
bugs which slipped through the net but because major point releases
tend to introduce problems which minor point releases have to sweep up
soon after.
Apple iOS 11.3 Verdict: Install If You Have Battery Problems, Otherwise Wait
iOS 11.3 achieves its main objective: give users the battery health data
and performance control over their devices that they demand. It may
also save Apple millions, if not billions, in global lawsuits.
As for the update itself, users are reporting some problems but nothing
has been a deal breaker at this early stage. That said, if you are
someone who is happy to hold off for a bit I would advise that. The
track record of iOS 11 has been so patchy that it’s smart to let others
experience problems first, so you don’t have to.
The Road Ahead
As I mentioned, iOS 11.3.1 is likely to follow soon. Global attention
has been on Apple to introduce the performance control and battery data
demanded, so that has been its primary focus. The fact Apple has managed
to cram a decent number of additional features and bug fixes into iOS
11.3 as well is to the company’s credit.
But iOS 11.3 hasn’t addressed all the outstanding problems of iOS 11.2.6
nor some stretching further back. With this major release out the door,
expect iOS 11.3.1 to soon come and clean-up what iOS 11.3 left on the
cutting room floor.
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