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Apple releases then pulls iOS 8.0.1 update

Apple released iOS 8.0.1 and then almost immediately removed the update to its latest operating system for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch after users of the new iPhone 6 found they could no longer gain signal to make or receive calls.

The minor update appeared on Wednesday 24 September, but only featured for a matter of hours, before being pulled after users reported the issues. The release follows shortly after iOS 8.0, which was launched just two days before the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, on 17 September. These updates generally act to fix minor issues, or bugs, but in this case, an error in the update itself caused havoc for some iPhone users, who could no long make calls. The bug also caused issues with the Touch ID function. Apple has since apologized and said it’s working on another update, which will be available shortly. “We have a workaround for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who lost cellular service and Touch ID functionality today after updating to iOS 8.0.1,” Apple said. “Affected users can reinstall iOS 8 through iTunes. We apologize for the great inconvenience experienced by users, and are working around the clock to prepare iOS 8.0.2 with a fix for the issue, and will release it as soon as it is ready in the next few days.” iOS 8.0.1 was designed to fix a number of existing issues, namely:

  • Fixes a bug so HealthKit apps can now be made available on the App Store.
  • Addresses an issue where 3rd party keyboards could become deselected when a user enters their passcodes
  • Fixes an issue that prevented some apps from accessing photos from the Photo Library.
  • Improves the reliability of the Reachability feature on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
  • Fixes an issue that could cause unexpected cellular data usage when receiving SMS/MMS messages.
  • Better support of Ask To Buy for Family Sharing for In-App Purchases.
  • Fixes an issue where ringtones were sometimes not restored from iCloud backups.
  • Fixes a bug that prevented uploading photos and videos from Safari.

The first is of significant importance, after apps that hoped to plug in to the new Health App in iOS 8 found their apps pulled from the App Store after a bug was found – again, these apps will be delayed. For users affected by the bug, Apple has released a workaround, which involves reinstalling iOS 8 via iTunes through a restore. A support document has been posted on Apple’s website with detailed instructions.