iOS 8.1.1 Update Addresses iPad 2 and iPhone 4S Stability And Performance Issues

The iOS 8.1.1 update is out and according to Apple’s minimalist description ” includes bug fixes, increased stability and performance improvements for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S.” (and presumably other A5 powered devices like the original iPad mini and the 5th generation iPod touch as well), plus some security patches.

Personally I’m going to wait a bit for real world reports on whether the jittery interface, slow app startups, sluggish performance, WiFi (stability and range problems), battery life and Bluetooth problems, and general bugginess in iOS 8 have been effectively addressed before I run the upgrade on my iPad 2. I’m not that impressed with iOS 8.1’s lack of refinement so far even on my new iPad Air 2.

To run the upgrade installer, use iTunes via your Mac (preferebly with a full backup of your contents first), or choose a direct download from Settings>General>Software Update on your device. The battery needs to be at least 50 percent charged before the update will install, and if you have a 16 GB device also be mindful of having enough free storage capacity. The update installer won’t proceed if there is not enough capacity for the install, but you also will have to live with somewhat diminished free capacity headroom if you’re moving up from iOS 7.x.