iOS 8.1 Updates ,Design,Messages,

Update: iOS 8.1 is available to download. Our iOS 8 review reflects the bug fixes that solve many of the launch problems.



These new features are more bug-free now that iOS 8.1 has launched. It's a worthwhile 170MB download that fixes the Wi-Fi and battery drain problems a handful of users experienced over the last month. iOS 8.1 isn't alone. It's coupled with the debut of Apple Pay and cross-compatible OS X Yosemite features


Updates

The latest version of the iPhone and iPad software is iOS 8.1, but it's hardly the first bug-fixing patch that Apple has attempted in the last 30 days, and that has to be noted in this review.

On its face, iOS 8.0.1 integrated data from third-party fitness-focused apps into Apple's Heath app. But it was far from smooth, and iOS 8.0.2 only partially fixed the problems.

Touch ID, cellular, SIM card, Wi-Fi and battery drain issues sent downloaders downgrading to iOS 7 and all of the negative attention actually hurt the adoption rate.

The good news is that iOS 8 is a worthy upgrade beyond its initial rough edges.

Design

iOS 8 looks and feels the same on its surface, as Apple didn't change the way the homescreen functions. However, almost every menu within has design tweaks that make your iPhone and iPad snappier to use.

Double tapping the home button, for example, sends multitasking into overdrive. In addition to its usual swiping through open apps, the top of the screen now features circular profile photos of your most recent contacts.



Swiping to the left lists your favorites in the same setup. This is great for quickly making calls, sending texts and starting FaceTime chats with the most important people in your life. No more digging through the contacts or phone menu anymore.



Messages



By actually opening up that Messages app, you'll find more more ways to communicate than before. The messages text box is now flanked by a camera and a microphone icon.

The camera icon on the left we've seen before - it previously attached photos to messages. It still does that, but it also does some new tricks. Holding the icon down reveals a menu overlay that enables quick selfies via the front camera and take video. It's faster to send photos and videos than Snapchat, and though it doesn't have the goofy photo editing perks, it's all integrated into the conversation.