PSA: iOS8 & iPad

[W2R]

I'm probably still going to buy an iPad Air 2 (announced yesterday), but at least my iPad 2 works again under 8.0.2. Whew!

+1

I am running 8.0.2 as well, but the slowdown is still there. Some apps are not only slow, but jerky and that is a bit annoying as well.

Like you I am seriously thinking about buying an iPad Air 2 in order to better cope with the new iOS. That model sounds just right for my purposes. Of course, my iPad 2 was just right as well, until we got the "upgrade".

 

[Midpack]

+1

I am running 8.0.2 as well, but the slowdown is still there. Some apps are not only slow, but jerky and that is a bit annoying as well.

Like you I am seriously thinking about buying an iPad Air 2 in order to better cope with the new iOS. That model sounds just right for my purposes. Of course, my iPad 2 was just right as well, until we got the "upgrade".

A Simply Mac · Premier Apple Specialist for Sales & Service · Mac computers, iPad, iPhone & iPod store opened recently near me, seems like a nice place though much smaller than an Apple retail store. They sell Apple products exclusively, I assume they have a deal with Apple to open stores in cities too small for Apple to be interested.

They quoted me $180 on trading in my iPad 2! Frankly I can't imagine getting that much for my old one (though like new condition, complete with box/instructions), so I will believe it when/if the transaction takes place. We'll see...

 

[Meadbh]

Like you I am seriously thinking about buying an iPad Air 2 in order to better cope with the new iOS. That model sounds just right for my purposes. Of course, my iPad 2 was just right as well, until we got the "upgrade".

So Apple introduced a problematic upgrade that makes you want to buy a new device to get around the problems. You are being held hostage to Apple's bottom line.

I have an iPad 2 that I believe is older than yours. I read the bad press about iOS 8 and decided not to install it. I am going to wait until I have no other option. I do not like being manipulated.

 

[FIREd]

The first major update to iOS8 is coming out on Monday.

 

[explanade]

You don't have to upgrade unless there are some apps. which require the new OS.

That's not going to be the case for at least another year. All of them should support iOS 7 or even iOS 6.

And even if the apps. require a newer OS than the one you have, chances are you can find alternative apps. which don't have the requirement.

I upgraded from iPad 3 to iPad mini 2 earlier this year, so about 2 years.

I can skip these and see what they have next year. Even then mine should run iOS 9 okay. iOS 8 did break a game that I like but looks like the developer has stopped supporting it so I can't play it any more.

I did say an iOS 6 image so it may be possible to go back to it but not going to bother.

 

[steelyman]

I like being manipulated, especially if the intentions are right. Better if Sandra Bullock does it.

The upgrade will be installed over here, as was the base.

 

[Midpack]

So Apple introduced a problematic upgrade that makes you want to buy a new device to get around the problems. You are being held hostage to Apple's bottom line.

I have an iPad 2 that I believe is older than yours. I read the bad press about iOS 8 and decided not to install it. I am going to wait until I have no other option. I do not like being manipulated.

With all due respect, even though I had the problem, I think that's an unfair characterization. There's nothing wrong with iOS 8.x.x, the problem is old slow hardware. I'd expect Apple software updates to be written to take advantage of today's components first, with accommodating outdated technology a lesser priority. I find iOS 8.0.2 does work on my old iPad, but not very well.

Do you really think they set out to make it difficult for iPad 2 users when developing a new OS?

Just as PC replacement was driven by better software and graphics/displays requiring faster processors, more memory and storage, etc. - so it is with mobile devices. Since mobile is still relatively new, the replacement cycle is unfortunately short, evidently about 3-4 years.

At least they're selling far better, more capable devices today at the same price they cost 4 years ago - no comparison whatsoever. See chart below.

Sure I wish my old iPad 2 would last forever, but I know that's not realistic...YMMV

And at least Apple offers OS updates, unlike Android. Some like the Android approach obviously.

 

[Meadbh]

So 2 years and 11 months is "old"?
More like planned obsolescence.


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum

 

[Midpack]

So 2 years and 11 months is "old"?
More like planned obsolescence.


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum

Mobile is new technology, the cycle is always shorter with newer technologies.

We disagree, no biggie.

If you stick with iOS 7, your iPad 2 will probably provide many more years of service. And I'd be willing to bet iOS 9 won't be offered to iPad 2 users.

 

[steelyman]

Nappy time.

 

[explanade]

In mobile, CPU and GPU performance is increasing much more rapidly than the mature desktop market.

Between iPad 4 and iPad Air, CPU doubled in performance.

Between iPad Air and iPad Air 2, graphics has more than doubled in performance.

These are one year apart products. There's more R&D and manufacturing investment going on right now in mobile than in desktops.

People who go from iPad 2 to iPad Air 2 will see a huge difference in terms of speed, weight, sharpness of screen, etc.

So it's not like you're not getting any benefits from upgrading. It's up to the individual whether the benefits are worth the cost.

 

[Meadbh]

In mobile, CPU and GPU performance is increasing much more rapidly than the mature desktop market.

Between iPad 4 and iPad Air, CPU doubled in performance.

Between iPad Air and iPad Air 2, graphics has more than doubled in performance.

These are one year apart products. There's more R&D and manufacturing investment going on right now in mobile than in desktops.

People who go from iPad 2 to iPad Air 2 will see a huge difference in terms of speed, weight, sharpness of screen, etc.

So it's not like you're not getting any benefits from upgrading. It's up to the individual whether the benefits are worth the cost.

I agree. My LBYM modus operandi is not to chase every incremental improvement but to stick with a good product until it has little or no residual value to me. So I will not be shopping for a new tablet anytime soon.

 

[spncity]

I don't do a lot of operating system upgrading (when things are working well, why mess with it?)

Stretching out the use of an item beyond two years (like an iPhone, for example) gives me more money to, say, travel.

So, it is kind of irritating that my American Airlines app won't work anymore...

YMMV.

 

[Midpack]

I don't do a lot of operating system upgrading (when things are working well, why mess with it?)

Stretching out the use of an item beyond two years (like an iPhone, for example) gives me more money to, say, travel.

So, it is kind of irritating that my American Airlines app won't work anymore...

YMMV.

It's a tradeoff between the status quo or new features/fixes and security improvements. I'd rather have the latter, especially better security.

 

[explanade]

I saw an upgrade of the american airlines app.

I'd check to see if you have the latest version.

I doubt they'd stop supporting older OSes, unless we're talking iOS 5 or iOS 4.

 

[steelyman]

I saw an upgrade of the american airlines app.

I'd check to see if you have the latest version.

I doubt they'd stop supporting older OSes, unless we're talking iOS 5 or iOS 4.

You're right: they did upgrade very recently. But as a whole, I think the app is not very good (lipstick on a pig?).

I use ITA (now called Google-something) to search for flights/fares.

 

[braumeister]

My iPad Air 2 has been ordered.

The slowdown and assorted other little glitches (nothing too bad, just annoying) finally got to me, so my old iPad 2 will be retired and sold when the new one arrives. Probably eBay, but there are several places that buy used Apple equipment and I'll look for the best deal.

It does intrigue me that the new iPad will cost less than the first one, bought nearly 3 years ago.

I just wish I had read the OP before upgrading to iOS 8. I would have still been a happy camper with my original.

 

[Rustic23]

Here is my problem with Apple, small, but still unnecessary, IMHO. I should be able to try a new ISO, and go back to the old if I am not satisfied. As far as I know, Apple does not support this, and there appears to be little reason this can not be done. In the present upgrade, my 4s is OK, but does seem halty at times. I would go back if I could. But, like others I am unwilling to use third party solution and possible screw up Itunes and other downloads. So does Apple do this on purpose? I sure can't see any other reason. Keeping a downgrade file on the cloud could not cost that much.

 

[mpeirce]

...my old iPad 2 will be retired and sold when the new one arrives. Probably eBay, but there are several places that buy used Apple equipment and I'll look for the best deal.

Take a look at https://www.gazelle.com/ipad

A "good condition" 32GB iPad 2 will get you $95. And it's a very easy process. They send prepaid box, putyou box, you send it back with the iPad. They send you money - a little extra if you'll take it on an Amazon gift card, which I did when I sold my iPad 2 to them.

I know there are other options worth looking into. But Gazelle makes it so easy.

 

[Chuckanut]

I am wondering if others are having this problem.

I have an iPad 2. I have NOT upgraded it to iOS 8. I am currently running the latest version of iOS 7 on it.

Since the introduction of iOS 8, I have noticed that a number of otherwise reliable apps are starting to fail, freeze and just die on me. All have had some type of update since iOS 8 was introduced and I assume at least part of the update process was to make the app work with iOS 8.

I am thinking that in making the app work with iOS 8 they might have broken or injured the app in regards to iOS 7. Not so good.

Has anybody else noticed anything similar?

 

[explanade]

I have not seen a problem. My iPhone is still on iOS 7 but I have upgraded my iPad mini.

And most of my apps have upgraded to support iOS 8.

I would look for ways to report problems to the developers. If you search on iTunes, each App page has a link to the Developer's website. Or the apps. themselves will have some way to contact or send feedback from within the app.

 

[mike143]

Apple releases one last software update to make your device slow enough you want to replace it. For the iPhone 4 that was iOS 7 for the iPhone 4s that is iOS 8. They have been using this strategy from the beginning. I guess you can be glass half full (at least my phone supports the recent software update) or glass half empty (they made my device slower with the software update).

I just don't play the Apple game, Android user here (Nexus 4 & 7).

 

[Meadbh]

I am wondering if others are having this problem.

I have an iPad 2. I have NOT upgraded it to iOS 8. I am currently running the latest version of iOS 7 on it.

Since the introduction of iOS 8, I have noticed that a number of otherwise reliable apps are starting to fail, freeze and just die on me. All have had some type of update since iOS 8 was introduced and I assume at least part of the update process was to make the app work with iOS 8.

I am thinking that in making the app work with iOS 8 they might have broken or injured the app in regards to iOS 7. Not so good.

Has anybody else noticed anything similar?

Yes, I have had the same experience. For example, some pages and videos that I used to be able to see are no longer loading.

One page that stopped loading on Safari is the Canadian Money Forum. Someone suggested that I instal the Chrome app on my iPad. This proved to be effective.

Also, my Scrabble app no longer connects to Facebook. The Scrabble customer service page says that they are working on it, but it does not seem to be specific to iOS 8.

Eventually my iPad 2 will be rendered obsolete for all but the most basic functions. Until then, get off my lawn!

 

[Chuckanut]

Apple releases one last software update to make your device slow enough you want to replace it. For the iPhone 4 that was iOS 7 for the iPhone 4s that is iOS 8. They have been using this strategy from the beginning. I guess you can be glass half full (at least my phone supports the recent software update) or glass half empty (they made my device slower with the software update).

I just don't play the Apple game, Android user here (Nexus 4 & 7).

Did you read my original post? I am still running iOS 7 on my iPad.

As far as Android is concerned, I assure you I can tell you several horror stories about lack of support for a phone that was less than 2 years old.

 

[W2R]

I just updated my iPhone 5S from iOS 8.0.2, to iOS 8.1. So far, so good.

So, I decided to throw caution to the winds and update my iPad 2, to iOS 8.1 as well. It is updating right now as I type this (on my Windows 8 laptop).

What could happen? It could get better, which would be great. It could stay the same.

Or, it could get worse. I'm already thinking of buying the new iPad Air2 and if it gets much worse that is what I will do. I will not be happy about doing that but it's just the way life is. Hardware has to be updated too, sometimes.