Apple's "biggest iOS release ever" got off to a rough start on Tuesday night
with social media filled with complaints from users attempting to install
the upgrade.
The company launched its iOS 10 & macOS Sierra to the public at 6pm UK time
and it didn't take long for people to run into difficulty
Many iPhone & iPad users reported error messages and complained of
"bricking" - a term used to describe devices rendered unusable due to a
software or hardware fault.
The problem seemed to mostly affect those downloading the update over the
air. After downloading the iOS 10 update, the smartphones or iPads shut down
to install the software. Then, rather than the device automatically turning
back on with iOS 10 installed, a screen appeared prompting users to plug
their handsets into a computer, rendering the phone useless until they did
so.
Apple Support has been reminding users to back up their phones before
attempting to upgrade, and recommending they download the software over
iTunes.
"We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a
small number of users during the first hour of availability," Apple said in
a statement. "The problem was quickly resolved and we apologise to those
customers."
It is not the first time Apple has had teething problems in rolling out
major updates.
When users tried to update to iOS 5 in 2011, high demand appeared to be
behind users getting multiple error messages when trying to update. In
February this year, Apple faced criticism after an update started bricking
devices if they had been repaired by a third party.
How to upgrade to iOS 10
The new software iOS 10 is available to download via iTunes or over the air,
and will ship with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus from September 16.
To upgrade go to Settings -> General -> Software Update on your iPhone or
iPad.
Apple recommends users back up their devices before installing the update.
You can do this with iCloud or by connecting it to a computer.
However it has now been fixed, with phones now updating to iOS 10.0.1 a
minor update that resolves the issue.
What to expect
iOS 10, the software for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, features a revamped
lock screen, including the removal of "Swipe to unlock", customisable
widgets, and apps which work inside iMessage.
One of the most exciting additions to iOS is that Apple will finally let
users delete default apps - see you later Stocks!
With the new software, your screen will not display a "Swipe to unlock"
feature. Instead, users will have to press the home button.
Another key feature of iOS 10 that has long been available on Android is
customisable widgets - extra information from an app - that can be used to
check things such as calendar appointments and weather information when
swiping left from the lock screen.
At a glance | iOS 10 key features
Siri
Siri got a massive makeover, becoming much smarter. This includes writing
your messages, doing image searches and transcribing voicemails.
Apple Music
Much simpler and more intuitive. It has brought back useful iTunes features,
including Recently Added and Recently Played sections.
And it has added information in Browse and For You that include daily
playlists, top charts and radio - a bit like Spotify
Discover.
HomeKit
The HomeKit app can now be used to control a range of smart home gadgets,
from the garage door to dining room lights to thermostat.
Apple News
Apple is launching a new subscriptions feature so users can read all their
subscription media within Apple News.
Apple Maps
Redesign makes Maps more proactive - it can check your calendar for places
you're meant to be going, and has a better search function for amenities
close to you.
Compatible devices
iPhone 7, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPad Air 2,
iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPod touch sixth-generation
onwards
NOT iPhone 4, iPad 2 or 3 and iPad mini
¬
