Apple has released another major update to iOS 11, and if you haven’t already updated you should download it immediately.
iOS 11.2 is here, and there are three very good reasons it’s an essential update – two hotly anticipated new features and a fix for broken devices. Let’s take a look at all three.
1. Apple Pay Cash
This is a feature that was announced ages ago but has only just gone live. Users can now send, request and receive secure payments with Apple Pay.
Once you’ve updated, you can find this option in the Wallet app or in a new Apple Pay Cash extension in Messages. Just tap the App Drawer icon to find it.
2. Faster wireless charging
Apple’s latest iPhones are compatible with Qi wireless charging technologies, but until now charging has been capped at 5W. Many third-party chargers are more powerful than that, and iOS 11.2 unlocks the potential for faster wireless charging by upping the limit to 7.5W.
It’s still slower than charging with a conventional Lightning cable, but for those already using wireless charging with the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, or X, this is a welcome improvement.
3. Date bug fix
A pretty serious iOS bug reared its head on December 2, causing many devices running iOS 11.1.2 to crash when receiving local notifications and alerts. Luckily, it’s not affected too many people and this latest update provides a fix for those that were affected by the “date bug.”
Apple has also made a slew of minor changes in addition to various unnamed “bug fixes and improvements” which should generally just make the iOS experience that little bit smoother.
How to update
To install iOS 11.2 for free, simply open the Settings app and tap General followed by Software Update.