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

[zhenya]

While I understand how this can be frustrating to people, one thing that has been danced around in these comments, but not said outright is that iOS 6.x other than 6.1.6 is NOT SECURE. The very serious SSL bug has not and will not be patched in those versions, and as such, it should not be considered a safe way to connect to the Internet. So all you folks who are holding back are doing so at your peril.

 

[shandyman]

In the case of nearly every iOS device, any newer version runs worse than a previous version. It's nearly rule of thumb that the original OS is the best possible performance you will get out of your Apple device (excepting Safari and certain underlying frameworks - like the addition of OpenGl 4 and expanded OpenCL in Mavericks). It's a Godsend if it at least runes exactly as well as before, as is the case with iOS 6. It's simply because they don't focus on performance enhancements, particularly for older devices. They have the ability to do so if they choose (i.e. Mavericks). It just so happens that isn't what consumers care about, evidently, so Apple doesn't. It needs big flashy new features or it's worthless in their eyes. But now I'm just ranting...

Although there's significant improvements in performance on iOS devices from 7.0 to 7.1, so Apple have looked at enhancements there.

 

[JobsGang]

I bet there are some fake MacRumors accounts around here controlled by Apple. What's next apple? Are you going to disable imessage too?

Yes.Yes we are.Your tears are delicious.

 

[shandyman]

While I understand how this can be frustrating to people, one thing that has been danced around in these comments, but not said outright is that iOS 6.x other than 6.1.6 is NOT SECURE. The very serious SSL bug has not and will not be patched in those versions, and as such, it should not be considered a safe way to connect to the Internet. So all you folks who are holding back are doing so at your peril.

Exactly. If you choose to stay on an old OS that isn't being supported anymore on your device, then you're choosing to be exposed to any bugs, glitches, etc. when Apple stop signing an OS version, they're not supporting it anymore. Simples.

 

[imaginex20]

I think people forgot about iOS 4 on iPhone 3G. If I had to update my 3G to iOS 4 to fix FaceTime I would have gone on an epic anti-Apple crusade.

Too bad the iPhone 3G can't even FaceTime. Some people complain for the sake of complaining...

 

[koban4max]

Of course, why wouldn't they? It might be a bit of a shock to people, but we humans adapt to our environment beautifully. iOS 7 is still as beautifully designed from a user-experience standpoint. That never changed.

I'm not shocked...but those who don't want to update probably does....

 

[Jason in KC]

My legal advice to all of you is to stand your ground and NOT update. This is how you can best preserve your rights. If Apple wants to force its customers to take new software by wrongfully withholding services to which they are entitled, then Apple can furnish the new hardware. Probably as part of an exchange program as part of a settlement.

I repeat, do NOT update.

Someone here replied that Apple may withhold services as part of the iOS 6 user agreement. If Apple wants everybody to update to iOS 7, then Apple should just withhold the right to use the telephone app then. Right? No. They know they would never get away with that in court, contractor no contract. They're doing this to test the waters. They think they can get away with this. They are dead wrong.

 

[Jason in KC]

Also, be aware that many of the commenters here are Apple employees. As if you hadn't figured that out already.

 

[MaSx]

7.1 is actually pretty good on a 4S.

Ehh..try using iOS 5, iOS 6 and iOS 7.1, compare the crash, lag, choppy and battery life. That should help you rethink

----------

No, not really.

iOS 7 adoption is at >80% of compatible devices. Of those remaining I doubt many are consciously choosing to avoid iOS 7. Most are probably just lazy and haven't bothered to do the upgrade. That leaves just a small fraction of users who are clinging to iOS 6 on purpose, and only a subset of them might be using FaceTime. So in all, this impacts a small small number of users and the fix is easy. So deal with it.

Aren't you a genius. Nicely put. :applause: but wait...ever occurred to you that some may not be so fond of colorful awesomeness of iOS 7 or super battery life? or whatever reason they may have. Oh wait, no! because they're just lazy and clings on to old stuff.

 

[HenryDJP]

Bad form Apple. Using a screw up to force iOS upgrades on older devices is ... lame.

Fix iOS 6.

Get over it. You have no proof of your claim anyway.

Haha, good move Apple, the certificate didn't really expire, they've done this deliberately!

Another one that has no proof of such a claim.

 

[dperetti]

Be quiet. There's nothing wrong with "Apple's software." People are just scared because of change, change happens. We have to deal with it. Just update to 7... It's amazing. Apple's software is by far the best.

Yeah, amaaaazing.

 

[sualpine]

.

 

[Rogifan]

Nope. Apple will fix this or they will be sued. Apple cannot force you to upgrade your OS to keep services that were part of the deal when you bought an iPhone. Stand your ground everybody.

This is Apple's planned obsolescence strategy. They're doing this to get everybody on iOS 7 so old hardware will run painfully slowly and people will have to buy new hardware. Because, you know, Apple doesn't have enough of our money already. And, Apple buyers aren't already loyal enough. Apple is going the way of General Motors... Abusing its own already-loyal fan base by making substandard product, forcing early repurchase. Apple supported PowerPC processors for six years after switching to Intel. That was under Steve Jobs. Under Tim Cook, Apple dumped iOS 6 in six months.

So far, Tim Cook's most novel idea has been to write himself a $300 million check.

Good luck suing. And Apple is still supporting iOS 6 for devices that can't run iOS 7.

 

[dilbert99]

I have no issue with people choosing to stay on iOS6. I just think its ridiculous that people who willingly choose to stay on outdated software complain that their software has broken and demand time to be wasted to fix a bug on outdated software, when it can be better used keeping the current software up to date and working on future software.

There is a big difference between keeping an iPhone 4 up to date on the latest version of IOS6 and moving to a later IOS which reduces the performance of the iPhone - that is not progress.

Why should users be forced in to an upgrade that makes their iPhone run slower?

 

[sualpine]

Nope. Apple will fix this or they will be sued. Apple cannot force you to upgrade your OS to keep services that were part of the deal when you bought an iPhone. Stand your ground everybody.

This is Apple's planned obsolescence strategy. They're doing this to get everybody on iOS 7 so old hardware will run painfully slowly and people will have to buy new hardware. Because, you know, Apple doesn't have enough of our money already. And, Apple buyers aren't already loyal enough. Apple is going the way of General Motors... Abusing its own already-loyal fan base by making substandard product, forcing early repurchase. Apple supported PowerPC processors for six years after switching to Intel. That was under Steve Jobs. Under Tim Cook, Apple dumped iOS 6 in six months.

So far, Tim Cook's most novel idea has been to write himself a $300 million check.

Your right is to agree to the terms of service or stop using the device. That is your right.

 

[brendu]

I would think you'd be more concerned about all the vulnerabilities on your iOS6 iPhone (that have been patched in iOS7) than losing facetime.

I thought those vulnerabilities were patched in iOS 6 also because of all the devices that don't run 7.

 

[Mechinyun]

I need your address so I can send you a pacifier and teddy bear.

Thanks I have enough already with my own kids and sounds like your still using yours.

 

[dilbert99]

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.

iPhone 4 + IOS6 > iPhone 4 + IOS7
If Apple was able to create an upgrade that didn't degrade performance of the iPhone 4 people wouldn't have as much an objection to upgrading, not withstanding those who don't like the look.

High horse?

 

[Intell]

I thought those vulnerabilities were patched in iOS 6 also because of all the devices that don't run 7.

They were only patched in iOS 6.1.6 for the iPhone 3Gs and iPod Touch 4G.

 

[TNSF]

I know several who legitimately just dislike iOS 7 and have not upgraded. They genuinely don't like the stylized bright white on top of more white look and on top of that they don't want the lag that has come that they've gotten to experience first hand with others of our friends who have updated (iOS 4, 4S, and 5 even).

Oh we'll I guess it's case closed then since you know a few people We wouldn't want to bother with facts and figures when you already know a few people.

 

[Rogifan]

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.

And was this not true of previous software updates? Were iOS 6 users able to downgrade to iOS 5? Last year at WWDC Cook said 93% of devices were running iOS 6. Was that an inaccurate figure?

 

[Arndroid]

I have discovered a way to work around this problem so iOS 6 users can use FaceTime again.

Anyone interested can FaceTime me and I will walk you through it.

 

[sualpine]

There is a big difference between keeping an iPhone 4 up to date on the latest version of IOS6 and moving to a later IOS which reduces the performance of the iPhone - that is not progress.

Why should users be forced in to an upgrade that makes their iPhone run slower?

Don't make me laugh. You think this is just an Apple thing? Man, you are quite out of touch with the whole industry.

Here's Google's TOS.

Updates. You may need to install updates to Google Play or related Google software that we introduce from time to time to use Google Play and to access or download Products. Products originating from Google may communicate with Google servers from time to time to check for available updates to the Products and to the functionality of Google Play, such as bug fixes, patches, enhanced functions, missing plug-ins and new versions (collectively, "Updates"). By using the Google Play store and installing these Products, you agree to such automatically requested and received Updates.

And Microsoft's.

Can I get updates to apps from the Windows Store?
Yes. You'll get updates to apps if the app developer and Microsoft agree to issue an update, even if you don’t get automatic updates to Windows through Windows Update. The Windows Store will check for and download app updates automatically, even if you’re signed out of the Windows Store.

Sounds like you need to stop using computers.

 

[nstrudwick]

It's one thing not having some of the new features but another thing when something you had is taken from you. People have different reasons for not upgrading, of which there are two main ones:

1. They don't like the look and feel.
2. Their device is likely to be worse as a result.

I understand 1., but I agree with 2. Take the iPhone 4 in particular; I'm told it doesn't run anywhere near as well with iOS 7, and people don't want to risk the upgrade as you can't go back.

And, for heavens sake, iOS 7 has only been around 7 months, not 2 years. Bugs should be fixed--if they can fix it for other versions of the OS, then why not for the latest version of 6.n?

Clearly Apple aren't making enough money to put resources into this. Or not.

 

[dilbert99]

I am totally with Apple on this decision. Why people haven't upgraded to 7 is beyond me... iOS 6's design got old. People are scared because the icons change. They're just icons people! Look at all the new features you get! So picky.

Or perhaps because it is demonstrably slower on iPhone4?