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iOS 8.1 Update: How to Download; New Fixes, New Features List

Raianne Fe Aguhar
Craig Federighi, head of Apple's software operations, introduces iOS 8.1. | Photo: Youtube

After more than a month of waiting, Apple finally unveiled the iOS 8.1, its latest mobile operating system version, during the iPad and Mac event on Oct. 16, 2014.

To download the update, simply visit Settings > General > Software update on your Apple device.

The entire file is only 126MB (contrary to the 5.7BG storage space requirement for the iOS 8), which means that you do not have to worry about not having enough storage space left.

Apple has listed the complete list of new features, bugs and fixes that come with the iOS 8.1.

The complete list follows:

  • Apple Pay support for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus (U.S. only);
  • Photos includes new features, improvements and fixes;
  • Adds iCloud Photo Library as a beta service;
  • Adds Camera Roll album in Photos app and My Photo Stream album when iCloud Photo Library is not enabled;
  • Provides alerts when running low on space before capturing Time Lapse videos;
  • Messages include new features, improvements and fixes;
  • Adds the ability for iPhone users to send and receive SMS and MMS text messages from their iPad and Mac;
  • Resolves an issue where search would sometimes not display results;
  • Fixes a bug that caused read messages to not be marked as read;
  • Fixes issues with group messaging;
  • Resolves issues with Wi-Fi performance that could occur when connected to some base stations;
  • Fixes an issue that could prevent connections to Bluetooth hands-free devices;
  • Fixes bugs that could cause screen rotation to stop working;
  • Adds an option to select between 2G, 3G or LTE networks for cellular data;
  • Fixes an issue in Safari where videos would sometimes not play;
  • Adds AirDrop support for Passbook passes;
  • Adds an option to enable Dictation in Settings for Keyboards, separate from Siri;
  • Enables HealthKit apps to access data in the background;

Accessibility improvements and fixes:

  • Fixes an issue that prevented Guided Access from working properly;
  • Fixes a bug where VoiceOver would not work with third party keyboards;
  • Improves stability and audio quality when using MFi Hearing Aids with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus;
  • Fixes an issue with VoiceOver where tone dialing would get stuck on a tone until dialing another number;
  • Improves reliability when using handwriting, Bluetooth keyboards and Braille displays with VoiceOver;
  • Fixes an issue that was preventing the use of OS X Caching Server for iOS updates.

Apple notes that some features of the IOS 8.1 may not be available in certain areas.

While the iOS 8 is not as grand as the iOS 7 released last year, which featured an entirely different and customizable interface, the iOS 8 offered an upgrade focused more on Apple phones' functionality rather than visuals. Hopefully, the iOS 8.1 finally puts an end to the never-ending issues that Apple users have allegedly been experiencing.

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