iOS 6 Users on Devices Able to Run iOS 7 Must Upgrade to Fix FaceTime

[MyopicPaideia]

What about those who like iOS 6 and what it does for them--and don't need anything different or new and just want exactly what they paid for when they bought it--why should they suddenly need to do something when existing functionality has been broken by the manufacturer?

Essentially it is because of an SSL security patch that Apple pushed out to iOS 6 in February of this year, and all previous versions of 6 (6.1.5 and below) are having their certificates denied (i.e. expired) when trying to use FaceTime. This kicks in the need to obtain an updated certificate to ensure that the user is using the updated fix to the security bug. Well to get the fix and thus the updated certificate, the device needs to retrieve a software update. iOS's update function automatically downloads and installs only the latest available version. So if the device is on 6.1.5 or lower, and 7.1 is available, that's what you get. 6.1.6 is only the latest available software for the 3GS and 4th gen Touch, because 7 is not available to those two devices. Anything newer and the latest available version is 7.1.1. Anything older and the latest available version is 5.1.1.

 

[numlock]

It's impossible unless they turn off iOS 7 updating so devices "find" 6.1.6 as the "newest" version instead of one of the versions of 7.

I don't think Apple is prepared to do that to appease a fraction of a percent of their users.

now this is not quite the issue we are discussing though. what apple is prepared to do and what is fair towards paying customers is two different things.

would pushing 6.1.6 for the ipad 2, 3 and iphone 4, 4s etc for those still using 6.1.3 and below as an update and then after those updated pushing 7.1.1 be the hardest thing in the world? i really dont think so. after all this is the company that created touch phones

 

[zioxide]

You're seriously arguing that it's impossible for apple to push 6.1.6 to devices that support iOS 7? I'm aware that the current implementation of software update only makes the latest version available. But that is a choice apple made, and they can unmake it. It might take a little retooling of the software update application so as to provide a choice (or they could use a different method, such as a download in a browser and reload through iTunes) but you cannot seriously think "there is no other way" a company as sophisticated as Apple can offer a non-ios 7 fix for this.

The only way to change the update software procedure is through another update! And then you're right back where you started.

Apple doesn't sign iOS 6 installs anymore either so it can't even be installed through iTunes.

Apple doesn't like to support antiquated software when it's possible to run the new software. They aren't shy about it and it's nothing new.

 

[snprintf]

Wow. Way to make even FEWER people use FaceTime, Apple. It's obvious that this was no accident, especially because they could have updated the certificates for any version of iOS they wished.

 

[schmidt65]

First off let me say that this doesn't affect me directly as I have a 5s and an iPad Air, and am happy using ios 7. My mum however uses an ipad 1 and an iPhone 4, starting out with the ipad as her first ever computer as she found it so simple to use. Living away from her we used to use facetime loads on the iPhone to stay in contact. Now however, now that apple have decided to remove this core functionality without notice, I honestly think my mum will struggle with ios 7 due to the visual changes compared to ios 6. This will likely mean she'll drift away from the ipad and iphone altogether.

My brother also refuses to update to ios 7 on his iphone 5 as, as he put it, 'if I choose and pay for a particular car in blue, I don't expect the manufacturer to say a year later the car now has to be in red and in an alternative style, or the steering will no longer function'

Whatever the reasoning behind this decision by apple, and whatever comments are made on a forum, the fact is this move will leave a sour taste in people's mouths, and Apple will lose customers to competitors.

 

[scaredpoet]

Wow. Way to make even FEWER people use FaceTime, Apple. It's obvious that this was no accident.

Right, because Apple has a problem getting people to use FaceTime. :roll eyes: If that were the case, there wouldn't be a problem to begin with, because hardly anyone would've noticed.

 

[rdlink]

Oh, it didn't? Jee, then it must be someone else's frustratingly slow phone in my hands! My remark is based on my own experience (duh) as well as that of many others. Look around on the boards buddy. And pay attention when you read, I already did the update. What, were you checking your phone while you were reading my post?

No. I've just used one, and I know better...

 

[snprintf]

Can't create free software that's actually good enough to compel people to voluntarily upgrade to? Solution: Break the version they stayed with.

A big F U right from Apple's own mouth. When was the last time that Apple so directly disrespected its customers? I'm struggling to recall their service ever being so poor. Just offer the fix you created to iOS 6!

Seriously, this is on the level of Google's forcing Google+ onto every YouTube user. It's like Apple and Google are suddenly going down the toilet all of a sudden. I cannot think of anything Apple has done in the past 14 years that is worse than this EDIT: except for not fixing the SSL bug in iOS 6!

 

[31 Flavas]

Wow. Way to make even FEWER people use FaceTime, Apple. It's obvious that this was no accident.

Uh... ~90% of iDevices run iOS 7, which isn't affected by this. Meaning only those which consciously object to iOS 7 and refuse to upgrade are going to be affected by this. Good riddance.

Every day, more people connect face to face on the iPhone than any other phone.

 

[Rogifan]

What about those who like iOS 6 and what it does for them--and don't need anything different or new and just want exactly what they paid for when they bought it--why should they suddenly need to do something when existing functionality has been broken by the manufacturer?

I see the issue as Apple would have to re-engineer the way they push out software updates and in their mind resources are better spent elsewhere so they tell those that can upgrade to upgrade. Right or wrong that's what they're doing. You can email Tim Cook and complain about it or vote with your wallet and move to a different platform. Or update to iOS 7 as that design language is here to stay for the foreseeable future and probably most apps are focusing on iOS 7 only updates.

 

[sonicrobby]

Apple sold nearly 44M iPhones in the last quarter and 51M iPhones the quarter prior. These are record figures for both quarters. JD Powers just announced that Apple topped their most recent smartphone customer satisfaction survey across all carriers. If there was that much dislike of iOS 7 you would see it in lower sales of new iPhones and a decline in customer sat ratings.

Thats good for them, but I wasnt implying dislike for iOS7. Im implying their inaccuracy in terms of their data, as someone mentioned, this just 'happen' to be a month away from WWDC, where Apple will announce an "astonishing 95% of Apple devices are currently running iOS7". Well no duh, once your upgrade, youre stuck there... Like or hate iOS7, it will always be a + count on Apples readings.

 

[snprintf]

Right, because Apple has a problem getting people to use FaceTime. :roll eyes: If that were the case, there wouldn't be a problem to begin with, because hardly anyone would've noticed.

Yes, Apple does have a problem with getting people to use FaceTime. Nobody uses it. They all use garbage like Skype. Apple could just push FaceTime and establish some more market power, but no, they're focusing purely on the short run.

 

[shandyman]

I honestly think my mum will struggle with ios 7 due to the visual changes compared to ios 6. This will likely mean she'll drift away from the ipad and iphone altogether.

You really have no faith in your mum don't you! my 79 year old grandmother had no issues switching tom iOS 6 to iOS 7

 

[snprintf]

You really have no faith in your mum don't you! my 79 year old grandmother had no issues switching tom iOS 6 to iOS 7

I have two grandmothers. One picked up an iPad running iOS 6 (iOS 7 is too ugly), having never even touched computing technology before, and instantly became like a regular user. The other can barely use a mouse and does not understand copy and paste or keyboard shortcuts or MS Word.

 

[Avenged110]

Why can't users just update their devices to the current version of iOS?

Why should we have to? Apple could fairly easily patch it without requiring an update.

 

[sonicrobby]

You really have no faith in your mum don't you! my 79 year old grandmother had no issues switching tom iOS 6 to iOS 7

Well youre a Brit! that doesnt count, your people are a lot smarter than Americans

 

[Paddle1]

The SSL bug makes this a security issue, technically they should force install 6.1.6 and 7.0.6 and up.

 

[schmidt65]

You really have no faith in your mum don't you! my 79 year old grandmother had no issues switching tom iOS 6 to iOS 7

Well, unfortunately not everyone is the same, and what makes you think my mother is younger than 79? Grandmother or mother, what difference does that make?

She has seen ios7 on my iPad Air as I was trying to get her to upgrade her ancient ipad 1 (ironically, so she could use it to facetime rather than on the small iphone). She tried it for a few hours and said she found it confusing and wanted to stay with her old ipad 1 as she knew how to use it.

That's the thing about people, everyone's different.

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Well youre a Brit! that doesnt count, your people are a lot smarter than Americans

As am I (a Brit), so not sure what your point is there!

 

[snprintf]

Uh... ~90% of iDevices run iOS 7, which isn't affected by this. Meaning only those which consciously object to iOS 7 and refuse to upgrade are going to be affected by this. Good riddance.

Every day, more people connect face to face on the iPhone than any other phone.

I don't think that 90% statistic is correct. I'm assuming you got that from the ones posted by MacRumors (actually below 90% still), which are based on App Store usage. Of course, those on iOS 6 are much less likely to use the App Store.

Also, why do you have such a problem with people who don't want a slower OS on their phones? Not to mention uggglyy. I've got iOS 7 on my phone because it's an iPhone 5, but not everyone has a new phone. It's their choice… unless of course Apple starts trying to shove iOS 7 down their throats like how Google harasses people with Google+.

 

[Paddle1]

Apple should add themes in iOS 8, and a classic iOS theme could be pre-installed. This would make everyone happy.

 

[deviant]

I don't think that 90% statistic is correct. I'm assuming you got that from the ones posted by MacRumors (actually below 90% still), which are based on App Store usage. Of course, those on iOS 6 are much less likely to use the App Store.

Also, why do you have such a problem with people who don't want a slower OS on their phones? Not to mention uggglyy. I've got iOS 7 on my phone because it's an iPhone 5, but not everyone has a new phone.

why do you call it ugly? it's ugly for YOU. i picked an iPad 1 the other day and when i saw it it just scared me. now THAT is ugly. seems like it's from 2000. it was like seeing windows 98 all over again
buy a 4s or something and be happy with your ios6. a year more and you won't be able to run it anyway, so who's losing here? i installed ios7 and after a week i forgot how ios6 looked like. i'm highly flexible and adaptable, it's just a matter of DOING IT and moving forward. i want new functions, new apps, all the updates and stuff. new icons and some whitish look doesn't bother me at all. who cares, it's just a phone for god's sake

 

[globalist]

Essentially it is because of an SSL security patch that Apple pushed out to iOS 6 in February of this year, and all previous versions of 6 (6.1.5 and below) are having their certificates denied (i.e. expired) when trying to use FaceTime. This kicks in the need to obtain an updated certificate to ensure that the user is using the updated fix to the security bug. Well to get the fix and thus the updated certificate, the device needs to retrieve a software update. iOS's update function automatically downloads and installs only the latest available version. So if the device is on 6.1.5 or lower, and 7.1 is available, that's what you get. 6.1.6 is only the latest available software for the 3GS and 4th gen Touch, because 7 is not available to those two devices. Anything newer and the latest available version is 7.1.1. Anything older and the latest available version is 5.1.1.

Really February? SSL bug? People were finding out already in October that there's something wrong with the cerificates, unrelated to Heartbleed or whatever have you:

https://discussions.apple.com/message/23524452#23524452

 

[snprintf]

why do you call it ugly? it's ugly for YOU. i picked an iPad 1 the other day and when i saw it it just scared me. now THAT is ugly. seems like it's from 2000. it was like seeing windows 98 all over again
buy a 4s or something and be happy with your ios6. a year more and you won't be able to run it anyway, so who's losing here?

You have a bad sense of design if you think that iOS 7, with its blatantly mismatched colors, looks nicer than iOS 6. Anyway, I don't have to deal with this problem very much since I installed an iOS 6 theme on my iOS 7 device.

 

[shandyman]

Well, unfortunately not everyone is the same, and what makes you think my mother is younger than 79? Grandmother or mother, what difference does that make?

She has seen ios7 on my iPad Air as I was trying to get her to upgrade her ancient ipad 1 (ironically, so she could use it to facetime rather than on the small iphone). She tried it for a few hours and said she found it confusing and wanted to stay with her old ipad 1 as she knew how to use it.

That's the thing about people, everyone's different.

Thing is, basic functionality is the same, just with some slightly different icons, menus work the same. if you can use iOS 6, you can use iOS 7.

 

[deviant]

You have a bad sense of design if you think that iOS 7, with its blatantly mismatched colors, looks nicer than iOS 6. Anyway, I don't have that problem very much since I installed an iOS 6 theme on my iOS 7 device.

i have a good taste. i've always liked minimal flat UIs. and i've always disliked leather and wood stuff on my 2011 iPhone. i'm not 70 years old. aside from that, it's all exactly the same. kinda. i mean, it's intuitive just like it was before. go back and try using OS X Tiger again. that's exactly how i feel when i see ios6.

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I'm not accusing you of trolling, just some people do seem to have varying experiences with iOS7, like yours is fine. Does your screen rotation lag for instance?

i don't have it with me right now, i will try it tomorrow and let you know.