The way Apple handles iOS upgrades is almost criminal.

[KALLT]

Apple's mentality on OS updates is embarrassing. Whenever I see posts that claim superior smoothness and laglessness on iOS, typically in response to Android devices, someone mentions that an update slowed down their devices like that and you can't rebut it, because it's the truth.

I had an iPhone 3G that couldn't handle iOS 4. It was super slow to launch apps, had choppy scrolling. I switched to iPhone 4 at the time anyway, but I hoped that this was just an oversight on Apple's part. My iPhone 4 had the same thing with iOS 7, only this time there was no way to go back. The same issues. Without a doubt, my iPhone 6 will run into the same problem.

Why is this an issue? Because Apple used to be known for devices with extreme longevity, a quality product that people are willing to spend money on. I even see that some shops continue to sell the iPhone 4(!) and 4S, there is still some stock left. As long as that happens, Apple has a responsibility towards those customers. You can't tell them that they shouldn't complain because their devices are too old.

Google focusses more and more on reducing the footprint and system requirements of Android. They focus on efficiency. Apple doesn't do that, it adds new features and only optimises them for newer devices. My iPhone 4 became a lot better when 7.1 was released, many months after the release of 7.0. There was simply no optimisation on their part. That is deceptive and consumer-unfriendly and I wish that they would stop with this nonsense. I like my Mac and my iPhone, but I just can't really stand Apple as a company.

 

[XmeX]

It isn't like we got access to the internet or something with iOS8. I do nothing different with iOS8 than I did with iOS7. I'm not saying that nobody uses the new features, or that they're pointless, merely that I don't *need* them and they sure as heck aren't worth slowing an older phone down to a crawl for.

Exactly
After IOS 8 & IPhone 6 I don't trust single word from APPLE

 

[I7guy]

I'm declining any update that makes performance of crucial features worse for the sake of adding a non-crucial feature.

I'm not sure how you use your phone or what you define as a crucial feature. To me two crucial features are mail and safari. Both have worked since IOS 7; can't say any update bricked my phone.

 

[sunking101]

I'm not sure how you use your phone or what you define as a crucial feature. To me two crucial features are mail and safari. Both have worked since IOS 7; can't say any update bricked my phone.

Yes, mail and safari are two crucial features but if an update introduces lag and my frustration levels accessing these two features suffers as a result, then that isn't good. It isn't enough that they still 'work', I want them to work every bit as well as they did pre-update. The introduction of lag impinges on functionality for me. A zippy UI, apps that load quickly and the ability to access websites without delay is far more important to me than some new feature. The basic features are what I use on a daily basis and they must be spot-on.

 

[I7guy]

Yes, mail and safari are two crucial features but if an update introduces lag and my frustration levels accessing these two features suffers as a result, then that isn't good. It isn't enough that they still 'work', I want them to work every bit as well as they did pre-update. The introduction of lag impinges on functionality for me. A zippy UI, apps that load quickly and the ability to access websites without delay is far more important to me than some new feature. The basic features are what I use on a daily basis and they must be spot-on.

I just bought a i6. Will open it shortly and will see what I see. The first thing is to update to 8.1.2.

 

[MaskedCarrot]

I just bought a i6. Will open it shortly and will see what I see. The first thing is to update to 8.1.2.

Don't update to 8.1.2. Only update to 8.1.1 which they are still signing at the moment.

Many others, including myself are getting much worse battery life with 8.1.2 over .1.

 

[I7guy]

Don't update to 8.1.2. Only update to 8.1.1 which they are still signing at the moment.

Many others, including myself are getting much worse battery life with 8.1.2 over .1.

Seems like such a hodgepodge of opinions.

 

[sk1wbw]

Why is this always an issue? How many 386's or 486's are running Windows 8?

 

[Italianblend]

Neither do you sir.

True, but my position has a solution for everybody. For those who have the latest, keep your iOS 8. For those who have older devices, give us options. this is a solution for all. By refusing downgrades, you are creating a bad situation for some. Thus, I would say with confidence that I speak for everybody on this issue and your stance certainly does not.

 

[Max(IT)]

Apple's mentality on OS updates is embarrassing. Whenever I see posts that claim superior smoothness and laglessness on iOS, typically in response to Android devices, someone mentions that an update slowed down their devices like that and you can't rebut it, because it's the truth.

I had an iPhone 3G that couldn't handle iOS 4. It was super slow to launch apps, had choppy scrolling. I switched to iPhone 4 at the time anyway, but I hoped that this was just an oversight on Apple's part. My iPhone 4 had the same thing with iOS 7, only this time there was no way to go back. The same issues. Without a doubt, my iPhone 6 will run into the same problem.

Why is this an issue? Because Apple used to be known for devices with extreme longevity, a quality product that people are willing to spend money on. I even see that some shops continue to sell the iPhone 4(!) and 4S, there is still some stock left. As long as that happens, Apple has a responsibility towards those customers. You can't tell them that they shouldn't complain because their devices are too old.

Google focusses more and more on reducing the footprint and system requirements of Android. They focus on efficiency. Apple doesn't do that, it adds new features and only optimises them for newer devices. My iPhone 4 became a lot better when 7.1 was released, many months after the release of 7.0. There was simply no optimisation on their part. That is deceptive and consumer-unfriendly and I wish that they would stop with this nonsense. I like my Mac and my iPhone, but I just can't really stand Apple as a company.

You are speaking about 2.5/3 years old devices still supported by latest iOS version, but with a logical impact on performances. Google doesn't even support devices that old.
And Google isn't reducing anything. KitKat wasn't really lighter than previous version, and lollipop isn't lighter than KitKat (it actually uses 100 Mb more ram on my Nexus 7).
Apple isn't optimizing for 3 years old devices, and I'm glad about that. Because while you are complaining about that, others are complaining because they want another feature to be added.

----------

True, but my position has a solution for everybody. For those who have the latest, keep your iOS 8. For those who have older devices, give us options. this is a solution for all. By refusing downgrades, you are creating a bad situation for some. Thus, I would say with confidence that I speak for everybody on this issue and your stance certainly does not.

And by allowing downgrades, you are messing up with fragmentation, that is worse.

You are not speaking for everybody.
As a long time Apple user I know that I need to upgrade after two years, if I want to preserve user experience.

----------

If Apple had made the iPhone 5 the cutoff for iOS 8 all the 4S users would have complained that apple left them behind and are forcing them to upgrade.

Apple included the 4S and the complaints are pretty much the same.

This.
The reality is that on forums like this, people will always complain about something.

----------

They want to push their ecosystem forward, which in the long run benefits every user. Eventually users of older hardware with older versions get left behind, but that is true on every platform.

On other platforms, sometimes users are left behind after one year or so.......


But I do agree with you 100%.

 

[wiredup72]

You are speaking about 2.5/3 years old devices still supported by latest iOS version, but with a logical impact on performances. Google doesn't even support devices that old.
And Google isn't reducing anything. KitKat wasn't really lighter than previous version, and lollipop isn't lighter than KitKat (it actually uses 100 Mb more ram on my Nexus 7).
Apple isn't optimizing for 3 years old devices, and I'm glad about that. Because while you are complaining about that, others are complaining because they want another feature to be added.

----------



And by allowing downgrades, you are messing up with fragmentation, that is worse.

You are not speaking for everybody.
As a long time Apple user I know that I need to upgrade after two years, if I want to preserve user experience.

----------



This.
The reality is that on forums like this, people will always complain about something.

I'm curious how long of an apple user you are. I have supported their products in a professional environment at a major magazine since 1995 and have used macs since the IIc and can tell you how Apple used to operate.
If the OS could inastall on your system, it improved the performance of that device. That Apple doesn't exist anymore. Now they follow the Microsoft model of throwing out upgrades With out taking the time to test and improve legacy devices.
It's a shame and lazy if you ask me.

 

[Max(IT)]

I'm curious how long of an apple user you are. I have supported their products in a professional environment at a major magazine since 1995 and have used macs since the IIc and can tell you how Apple used to operate.
If the OS could inastall on your system, it improved the performance of that device. That Apple doesn't exist anymore. Now they follow the Microsoft model of throwing out upgrades With out taking the time to test and improve legacy devices.
It's a shame and lazy if you ask me.

1989 dude, wrong target


OS X and Macs are different devices from iDevices.
My MacBook pro is three years old and I'm not going to change it any soon.

They are not following Microsoft's model: they are following the market.

 

[KALLT]

Apple isn't optimizing for 3 years old devices, and I'm glad about that. Because while you are complaining about that, others are complaining because they want another feature to be added.

They are optimising it somewhat, but only later, such as the notorious 7.1 release. Until that time they happily accepted a poor customer experience for months, with no way to go back, no option to test it first, no clear warning that performance may be worse that much. Everyone who thinks that this is a good way to treat customers is a snob. Just so they can gloat about the lack of fragmentation on their platform and all supposedly for the good of developers (who incidentally have to deal with customer complaints as well, because their app no longer performs as desired on these devices). It is sheer arrogance on Apple's part and I find it unacceptable that this is even defended.

 

[Max(IT)]

They are optimising it somewhat, but only later, such as the notorious 7.1 release. Until that time they happily accepted a poor customer experience for months, with no way to go back, no option to test it first, no clear warning that performance may be worse that much. Everyone who thinks that this is a good way to treat customers is a snob. Just so they can gloat about the lack of fragmentation on their platform and all supposedly for the good of developers (who incidentally have to deal with customer complaints as well, because their app no longer performs as desired on these devices). It is sheer arrogance on Apple's part and I find it unacceptable that this is even defended.

They are optimising it later, that is absolutely acceptable since we are speaking about very old devices.
I'm absolutely fine with that policy. It actually is a good way too treat customers.
Do you find it unacceptable? You can always vote with your wallet, and buy an Android based device that will be probably supported for half the time.

 

[I7guy]

True, but my position has a solution for everybody. For those who have the latest, keep your iOS 8. For those who have older devices, give us options. this is a solution for all. By refusing downgrades, you are creating a bad situation for some. Thus, I would say with confidence that I speak for everybody on this issue and your stance certainly does not.

My opinion, certainly not a stance, is that I understand why apple doesn't want users to be able to downgrade to far back. They probably should allow a downgrade to the previous release, unless that release contains some bad issue, like a security vulnerability or bad bug.

I never go back anyway, so you don't speak for me and I really wonder how many you do speak for, other than the 10 people on this forum.

 

[ANTAWNM26]

Um, my devices don't slow down from a upgrade actually, unless it is really old, like a 4S, then that is understandable, because you know the device came out over 3 years ago and is still getting updates, unlike Android, and iOS 8.1.1 promises performance enhancements and stability improvements to the 4S/iPad 2.....is the Galaxy Nexus getting any more updates?? What About Android flagships on carriers that dont see updates for a long long time lol...your post is flawed and is pretty factually incorrect



Nexus 4 came out 2 years ago and "Lollipop will be coming 'soon'"



Had a i5 on iOS 8/8.1 and it was buttery smooth , also had a 5S on 8.0 and it was buttery smooth and now I have a Plus on 8.1 that is buttery smooth with Reduce transparency/motion on.





Android's update system is criminal

The only way you could could prove your point or rationalize what Apple do is to bring android into the mix. Lmao

 

[DoctorKrabs]

If we voice our displeasure with the way Apple deals with downgrades and upgrades loud enough, it will catch on.

Major tech sites need to start crucifying Apple about this because it is really the worst thing about iOS devices, which are the most important thing about Apple right now.

If Apple gets bashed about this the same way they did about openness of iOS or staleness of iOS, there is a chance they'll do something about it.

If the user wishes to use an older version of iOS that has security issues, that's their risk. That same version of iOS that another person might argue is unsafe may be the last supported version on older hardware that anyone can still go ahead and use. Security is not much of an argument.

 

[Thekarens]

The way Apple handles iOS upgrades is almost criminal.

I don't see the problem. When there's an update you're not forced to update, just refuse it until you read the reviews and then decide.

I think everyone knows by the time your device is 2 years old it's old technology and like old computers they might not be as snappy on the latest OS.

 

[sunking101]

I don't see the problem. When there's an update you're not forced to update, just refuse it until you read the reviews and then decide.

I think everyone knows by the time your device is 2 years old it's old technology and like old computers they might not be as snappy on the latest OS.

Lots of people say the updates run 'fine' on older devices when they quite frankly don't and besides, the point here is that Apple should make it painfully clear to the housewives/pensioners/children and general technophobes out there that an iOS update on a 2 year+ device is highly likely to slow it to an uncomfortable crawl. Guaranteed in fact.

 

[Max(IT)]

I don't see the problem. When there's an update you're not forced to update, just refuse it until you read the reviews and then decide.

I think everyone knows by the time your device is 2 years old it's old technology and like old computers they might not be as snappy on the latest OS.

You are right. I know a lot of people running iOS 7 on their iPhone 4S. And a few still running iOS 6.

I would add that the issues are with 3 years old devices like iPhone 4S and iPad 2, not 2 years old (iPhone 5 and iPad 4 are running iOS 8.1 just fine).

----------

Lots of people say the updates run 'fine' on older devices when they quite frankly don't and besides, the point here is that Apple should make it painfully clear to the housewives/pensioners/children and general technophobes out there that an iOS update on a 2 year+ device is highly likely to slow it to an uncomfortable crawl. Guaranteed in fact.

IPhone 5S and 5C are older devices. And they are running fine on iOS 8.1

 

[sunking101]

You are right. I know a lot of people running iOS 7 on their iPhone 4S. And a few still running iOS 6.

I would add that the issues are with 3 years old devices like iPhone 4S and iPad 2, not 2 years old (iPhone 5 and iPad 4 are running iOS 8.1 just fine).

----------




IPhone 5S and 5C are older devices. And they are running fine on iOS 8.1

The 5S is hardly that old and the 5C is based on the i5, which is more than up to the task because very little has changed in terms of performance since the i5. Sadly the new iPhone 6 will have the least amount of longevity of any phone released by Apple in the last two and a bit years due to the RAM it shares with the 5/5S.
So technically, we're talking about iOS updates which affect iPhones with genuinely lesser specs such as iOS7 on the iPhone 4 for instance, or iOS8 on the 4S. Both those phones perform like pigs on the last updates they were eligible for. Just wait until iPhones get more RAM, then the trio of 5/5S/6 will be similarly affected together.

 

[Thekarens]

Lots of people say the updates run 'fine' on older devices when they quite frankly don't and besides, the point here is that Apple should make it painfully clear to the housewives/pensioners/children and general technophobes out there that an iOS update on a 2 year+ device is highly likely to slow it to an uncomfortable crawl. Guaranteed in fact.

What's funny, I never hear the techno phobes, etc. Complain about updates (except that often they don't have enough space to update.) The only people I hear complain are the tech savvy and people who frequent forums.

 

[nilk]

Why? Because people keep iMessages from 2 years ago and then complain messages is slow to come up

I speak from the perspective of a software developer here. I don't see why keeping messages from 2 years ago should cause things to be slow. I've never deleted any messages (SMS or iMessage) since I first started using an iPhone in 2008, and I expect it to work normally (and it does in my case). There's no reason to expect users to delete iMessages. The app should be loading only the most recent messages under normal use, and the old messages should be stored in such a way where it doesn't affect performance of normal use. There are plenty of apps that have mountains of old data in more complicated data structures, and are completely performant because the developers are smart about how it loads data and how that data is stored.

I understand the realities of producing software, and things are never perfect, and sometimes a user has to do things to workaround software behaving poorly. But if I expected non-technical users of my software to know to do maintenance without making it obvious, I'd be failing at my job.

If doing a restore every so often is required for a device to function properly, this needs to be made clear, and ideally you'd want the device to notify you when it needs to be done. For example, like how Time Machine lets you know when you haven't backed up in a while, an iPhone should let you know that you need to do restore when it determines it is necessary.

It's convenient to blame the user, but for a consumer-focused company that has a slogan like "it just works", and for what is basically a computing appliance, you can't expect the user to be doing maintenance unless it is made very obvious and doing the maintenance is as simple as possible.

 

[sracer]

If we voice our displeasure with the way Apple deals with downgrades and upgrades loud enough, it will catch on.

I think that is true. It might have been only after prolonged criticism of Apple's forcing the download of an updated iOS installer to every device capable of updating did Apple relent and provide the ability for users to delete the update installer from their devices. But then again, there may have been another (unspoken) reason for Apple to do this. They didn't say that providing that capability was a result of customer feedback.

Major tech sites need to start crucifying Apple about this because it is really the worst thing about iOS devices, which are the most important thing about Apple right now.

If Apple gets bashed about this the same way they did about openness of iOS or staleness of iOS, there is a chance they'll do something about it.

If the user wishes to use an older version of iOS that has security issues, that's their risk. That same version of iOS that another person might argue is unsafe may be the last supported version on older hardware that anyone can still go ahead and use. Security is not much of an argument.

To add insult to injury, Apple produced security fixes for the SSL bug to iOS 6 as well as iOS 7 earlier this year... but did not allow devices that were running iOS 6 to install the iOS 6 update if their device was capable of running iOS 7.

Running iOS 6 and your device is capable of running 7 and want the fix? You HAD to upgrade to 7.

I was forced (needed the SSL bug fix) to upgrade my iPad 4 (that had been running perfectly on 6.x) to iOS 7. Terrible. I reinstalled 7. I wiped out the device and did a new, clean install of 7. Still the performance was sub-par. When iOS 8 was released, I upgraded because I figured it couldn't get any worse. It was actually slightly better than 7, but nowhere near 6. Then I upgraded to 8.1.2.... more lag and more apps suddenly closing.

If I had the option to go back to iOS 6.x with the SSL fix, I'd do it and be content. I'd be fine with not having the latest version of the apps that I use (that require 7 or above).

This is the main reason why the numerous Apple products I own will be the last that I own until this issue is addressed. It won't make a lick of difference to the Applesphere, but I need to protect my investment.

 

[RebornProphet]

The only way you could could prove your point or rationalize what Apple do is to bring android into the mix. Lmao

What I found odd was the admission that he has to turn reduce transparency ON to get "buttery smooth" performance on Apple's latest flagship iPhone.

Having to do that is simply unacceptable.