Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) insists on releasing super-duper software updates designed to make my iPhone faster, smarter, and even more entertaining. But in reality, the updates don't address the issues I have with the phone and invariably seem to create new ones.
At least Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) gives customers the option of accepting or rejecting its unending string of fixes, patches, updates, and upgrades. And it also offers something else that Apple does not: the ability to restore your device to its pre-improved state, just in case things don't work out as you had intended.
Update your iPhone, and you're stuck. Literally... on Websites that will not load or revert endlessly and without warning to the home screen, or, even worse, on a black screen, the Apple equivalent of the infamous Windows Blue Screen of Death.
Apple released its biggest iOS mobile operating system update ever last October. The release of iOS 5 brought, according to Apple, "enhanced notifications to iOS devices, iMessage, wireless updates and iTunes syncing, widgets, Twitter integration, improved camera and photo support, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, enhanced reminders and a whole host of new and impressive features." In reality, the global rush to update overwhelmed the company's server, leaving many iPhones about as useful as bricks, according to ZDNet:
...people started complaining on Twitter and forums that they were seeing long delays in downloading iOS 5 and that the update wiped their apps and contacts. They also reported it had 'bricked' their device, meaning the handset stopped working completely, until a factory reset was performed.
Those who did manage to install iOS 5 gained the ability to make future updates via the cloud. It allows users to use a new Software Update feature in the iOS software itself, downloading updates via the device's WiFi connection, and automatically applying them without the need for a physical connection.
And that brings us to now. Days after the latest update, I'm still trying to determine whether this helpful seamless ability to update is a good thing or not.
A few weeks ago, Apple updated its iOS to correct more than 80 vulnerabilities, including a flaw that allowed Siri, its voice-controlled personal assistant application, to be used even when the phone is locked. Security experts said the flaw opened the door for someone to send an email from a locked phone, under certain conditions. The other bugs related to the platform's Web browser engine, which someone could reportedly exploit to execute malicious code.
Yes, I should care. But I don't have Siri on my iPhone 4. And I'm worried less about malicious code than my ability to comment on a Website or, get this, use the phone to make a call. So I wasn't waiting with baited breath for the update.
Too bad Apple was so persistent. One reminder after another kept telling me that a software update would be installed "in nine seconds."
Sure, you could hit "later" instead of "confirm." If you're fat-fingered, you may end up hitting confirm anyway. And even if you don't, the reminders will come back again and again, like a six-year-old trying to wear you down for a piece of candy.
And just consider how sweetly Apple tries to draw you in. "Apple's software updates for iOS introduce new features and improvements that let you do even more with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Updating the software on your device is easy." That's what it says, right on the Apple Website.
It wasn't lying, not completely anyway. It was easy to install the update.
It's just been using the iPhone ever since that's been hard. My phone has trouble finding the network, making it hard to place calls. More annoyingly, it exits Websites and applications without warning, forcing me to redo the same tasks repeatedly.
I shouldn't complain. My daughter's phone simply stopped working post-update. She couldn't even get it to turn on. (Did I mention it was one day out of warranty?) She's managed to get it back -- to some extent -- following a full restore. But it's still acting buggy.
Are we alone? Not if you search for iPhone update problems online. But ask anyone who works in an Apple store, and you'll get a blank stare. "This is the first time I've heard anyone say anything about this problem," a clerk at Apple's store in Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan told me yesterday.
But the fact is Apple has had a long and checkered history with its updates. Two years ago, a California woman accused Apple of purposely turning the iPhone 3G and 3GS into "iBricks" with its iOS 4 software update, resulting in frustrated owners having to upgrade to the iPhone 4.
In a lawsuit filed in San Diego in 2010, Bianca Wofford accused Apple of "unsavoury, dishonest, and deceptive business practices," resulting in the iPhone 3G suffering "significant and extended lost of functionality, application loss, loss of use and substantially degraded performance."
A year later, she struck out in court. A federal judge concluded that Apple's software upgrades are free and do not qualify as a sale or lease under California's Consumer Legal Remedy Act, so the act she sued under did not apply.
Apple assured affected 3G phone owners that later updates would fix their iPhone problems. Did they? Who knows? I'll bet most of them just bought newer-model phones, and found other uses for their bricks.
Sounds to me that Apple dropped the ball on the update, maybe not enough testing. Between this and some of the issues that have been reported with the new iPad I wonder if we are seeing the new way that Apple runs thing......
Ever since the update, I have been plagued with exceptionally fast battery drain and my phone has trouble finding the network. i agree -- My phone was better before this "fix"!
All of these iPhone updates leave me frustrated. I think the woman who filed that lawsuit was right. Apple clogs up the phone on purpose so you buy a new one.
Yes, the latest iPhone update has led to some puzzling premature exiting of applications on my phone.
However, let me put forth the case for automatic updates. One issue with the way Microsoft does it, is that you end up with different customers with different code. So some are more vulnerable to security issues, some do not work well with newer applications, etc. So I like the idea of auto updates so everyone has the same code on the same devises. That said, if you do this like Apple you need to ensure the code is well tested and does not cause more problems then it fixes.
well said! and I particularly agree with your sentiment towards "the idea of auto updates so everyone has the same code on the same devises"
You're right, windows is a little (read: a lot) over the top with its constant updates. And their updates can be very scary when you see stuff like "In this update, we fixed a security loophole that allows hackers to break into your computer even while it's off! Yay us!" haha
On the other hand though, like you said, if you're going to force users to update, then you have to be 100% positive that there are no flaws with your code. What's even worse when the code fails though is that you can't blame different user setups for the issue. After all, they've been updating left and right so everyone's on equal ground.
Cattail you are right about the battery drain now the battery does not last as long as it used to.I actually updated because I heard that it was supposed to increase battery life. And I've also faced the network issue too. The only problem that got resolved in my case was the exiting of programs without warning.
I never do any iPhone update when it first comes out. There are plenty of websites that tell you what has been changed and then I determine if I need or want any of those changes. I then check back in a few weeks to see the reviews. As a result I did NOT upgrade to IOS 5.1- few advantages and a bunch of disadvantages- made no sense to do it.
Good to know. If a client asks, I'll now know the answer for sure. Most of the time, it's not an issue. Most folks I know don't even bother. They just wait for the next device to be released.
Yes, we shall be cautious whenever we do a software update. The software update is not a easy task. Years ago, software update is a paid service. Now most consumer devices provide free software update. Having been in software industry so many years, I've never seen any well known companies, which never failed once on software update. They might have succeeded 99% of their update, but they all failed once or twice for sure. Call it a flaw in this industry or even in our human beings.
And I can see the reason that you have to update your iPhone. You can image how difficult will be if there are multiple versions of software out there for Apple service teams. Especially customers can use iPhone for so many different purposes.
I am not saying this is not an Apple product problem. It is, and they shall fix it.
Noreen says, "Well, an update. My daughter's phone was so buggy that Apple replaced it, even though it was technically out of warranty."
So, are you going to whine about this then, like the rest of your ill-informed article? And, has any other company ever offered you warranty service which you have not paid for on an EXPENSIVE product which is not, you know, in warranty?
Yes, Macbrewer, they have, because products that fail to conform to the UCC violate federal laws -- and if you push for replacemements, you can often get them -- whether they are under warranty and whether or not they are made by Apple, Toshiba, Sony, HP, or any other brand.
However, a suggestion for you.
Perhaps you could get a refund on your lithium. It does not appear to be working.
"Yes, Macbrewer, they have, because products that fail to conform to the UCC violate federal laws -- and if you push for replacemements, you can often get them -- whether they are under warranty and whether or not they are made by Apple, Toshiba, Sony, HP, or any other brand."
No Noreen, listen to Macbrewer. Apple is doing this out of the kindness of its heart! Don't take the generous gift of a (finally) working (temporarily) product for granted! ;)
All apple bashing aside, I think both computer companies should stop with automatic anything. The simple fact is that Apple is more guilty of this than Microsoft (this simply cannot be argued) and it's not a good experience for the user.
You keep pretending Apple does automatic updates. You are wrong, they do not. Please show us the documentation for this, you can't, because they don't do it, never have. New product can't run the old versions, that is all. You can reformat going back to the original OS. Firmware can't be reverted. You would probably all actually understand this the Windoze hardware HAD firmware. It does not, it has 80's era, BIOS.
Hey Ronald, (Oh sorry, I was confusing you with the clown from McDonalds as opposed to the comedian from MacBrewer)
The iPhone Dev Team said in its blog post that with A5 devices like iPad 2 and iPhone 4S, it was not possible to downgrade to any older iOS 5.x firmware, even if the SHSH blobs (Signature HaSH blobs) are saved.
Clearly, you are not part of the Genius Bar, so I will elaborate on that post here with an exerpt:
Soon after 5.1 appears on Apple's public servers (i.e. iTunes starts to offer it), Apple will stop signing 5.0.1 SHSH blobs.
If you have an iPhone4S, the basic rule above is really the only rule: you cannot restore back to 5.0.1 once the 5.0.1 signing window is closed, no matter what (even if you saved your SHSH blobs).
If you have an iPad2 with saved 4.x hashes, you can in fact downgrade to that 4.x but you won't be able to get to 5.0.1 once the 5.0.1 signing window is closed (even if you saved your 5.0.1 SHSH blobs).
If you have a device earlier than the iPad2, you can downgrade to whatever version you want, as long as you have saved SHSH blobs for that version. You'll need the assistance of geohot's limera1n exploit with tools like redsn0w to get into "pwned DFU mode" and bypass the downgrade restriction. (ed.note: Does that sound like something the average iPhone user can do?)
You are the clown here, Noreen. You seem to think software should never be updated. You seem to think everyone is having trouble with their iPhone, but it's really the clowns running Windoze or the pointlessly inept Windows media / RIMM or whatever you are you are actually pumping here in this bizarre little corner of the Internet where truth is a apparently a joke. You do not have to update your iPhone. What makes you think you do?
Noreen said, "Softwear (sic) should be updated. But companies should not release updates in beta."
Apple doesnt' release betas that are not marked as such. Just beause you had an issue (and then complain about it vaguely and in a manner inconsistent with the facts) hardly makes the release a beta. And, Apple does not force you to update. Most prudent Mac users, and iPhone users are aware of updates and may choose not to install one if it would interrupt their process, or if their apps are not up-to-date or their device is not backed up.
With Windows 7, you do not have a choice. It doesn't merely ASK you if you want to update, like Apple devices do (and you mischaracterized horribly in your article). No, Windows 7, which you are obviously confusing with your iPhone, TELLS YOU it is starting UNLESS YOU STOP IT. Big difference. But security is a JOKE on Windows, not on Mac OR on iPhone, despite no lack of threatned Wintards who will TRY to argue otherwise. Facts say otherwise.
The iOS 5.1 update you are railing on about is a good update. It can cause problems with older Apps which are not yet updated, but it's a great update nonetheless. And at this point, most all those apps are up-to-date.
If you have a critical app, you might wish to wait a week or so before updating your phone. This is the same as on the computer, except in Windows now (for some bizarre reason, some people are still using that garbage) you HAVE NO CHOICE AT ALL.
This is funny because Windows fanboys like to crow about all their options. The truth is, there are none worth having. Sure, you can opt to go with any number of hardware vendors, but look at the options: totally dictated by MSFT. A Dell is an HP is a Lenovo, there is NO DIFFERENCE. You might as well plug together your own parts, that is all that the PC 'computer companies' do.
Apple doesnt' (sic) release betas that are not marked as such.
Sigh. Tell that to all the people who bought Newtons.
Apple is a good company, Macbrewer, it's on our IU 25 Index. But it is subject to errors, omissions and mistakes like any other. Steve Jobs, even now, is not a saint, and the company is not destined to go down as the only one in history that was flawless in every respect.
But you know what? Maybe you will. Because clearly you are perfect. Did you invest everything you own in Apple stock? You are taking this far too personally.
So give it a rest. Take your new iPad off your lap. It's overheating and it's fried your brain.
I've been trying to correct your numerous errors. You keep childishly responding with strawman arguments, putting words in my mouth, etc...
Are you even capable of responding without distorting what I have said? Apparently not.
Never once did I say Apple was perfect. Interesting you have to go back to the Newton to make a point, and then you ruin it by making it an insult as to the location of my brain. I'm done, you can go ahead and make up more nonsense about me, and ignore the entire substance of what I have said.
As a large and successful company, AAPL is a important company for investors to understand. It's also part of the IU index and - full disclosure - I own some.
Hundreds of people read these comments and I'm thinking a lot of them were on your side in this debate. IU attracts readers who are looking for facts and diverse opinions. We don't all agree, but we are looking for understanding that gives an edge when we invest.
All of this is to say, I appreciated your defense and knowledge of AAPL and I really hope that we haven't heard the last of your thoughts on this site.
That means Apply got some problems to upgrade this model over the air (that's always more challenging). So they gave your daughter a same model with software already loaded in factory.
Yeah, they knew the problem. So they replaced it even it's out of warrenty.
No Noreen, this is not Windoze land. You cannot 'roll it back'.
What you can do though, if you would BOTHER to check is start over. Set it up as iOS 4 device, upgrade to where you were before the update.
You probabaly don't remember this, but before you upgrade the device you are WARNED that you are not backed up, if in fact you are not backed up!
Go to iTunes. That is where your backup is!
Or, go to the genius bar where they will do ALL OF THIS for you. No other company does this.
What are you referring to with the '9 seconds to update' nonsense??? This only happens in Windoze. I know, it happened to me when trying to use a Windoze computer the other day for a presentation, the stupid think DECIDED, on it's own to update itself. We all know what a horrible mess of viruses and malware Windows is, but still, you SHOULD HAVE A CHOICE.
I have used MANY MANY different computer and phone systems. There is NO WAY that this is true about iPHONE Or ANY APPLE DEVICE. There is NO WAY that it updates on it's own, regardless of how 'fat fingered' you obviously are.
"No Noreen, this is not Windoze land. You cannot 'roll it back'."
The nerve of the author to expect a product to behave the way she wants it to and not be forced to use what the company feels is best for her! Let the consumer choose if they don't like something and not just be told "Looks like you're out of luck, bub"
And not to burst your apple-shaped bubble but the "Genius bar"...isn't a thing that Apple has pioneered...it's called customer service...and every...single...company has some form of it. It looks like the geniuses at the bar aren't really doing their jobs if they claim ignorance to a problem that multiple customers are experiencing, though.
"The nerve of the author to expect a product to behave the she wants it to and not... (And more rambling misrepresentations)
iTunes totally restores the device to *ANY* SAVED STATE, including all apps and data. Buy a clue.
She has a lot of nerve to misrepresent this, just because, like you, she has a blinkered, Windoze-induced view.
And that bit about auto update is a BOLD LIE! No way that ever happens in *ANY*APPLE*DEVICE* she is CONFUSING her iPhone with the PC she is promoting.
I switched from my BB because it was getting old and because everyone reaved about the I Phone, but I find it to be clumsy, and always moving me to places I don't want to go. The touch screen is annoying when you are on the web trying to navigate. Touch the screen and it wants to copy or define whatever you are reading. I don't know if the camera makes up for all of the trouble. I wish that the market would bring on a great competitor.
Noreen, sorry to hear about this frustrating situation. Unfortunately, as you've pointed out in your article, you're not alone and, until apple takes some responsibility and admits there's a problem across almost all of its devices, this is going to be more and more common.
On a side/partially related-note, I was cleaning my desk out and found an iPod that had bricked on me about 3 yrs ago. I just threw it in the trash...how disposable is our technology becoming? Is it possible that tech companies recognize the inevitable "I need the next, newest thing" consumer sentiment and they're making cheaper devices as a result?
Well, that was an interesting exchange... from the sidelines.
My 2 cents on my experience -
iPhone updates to my 3GS and 4 have been smooth. I've left things down-rev sometimes, waiting for my Apps to release their new versions. On occasion, I have had Apps lose some functionality with the new OS, but nothing critical and that's not Apple's fault.
Sometimes, the new release of an App will caution me not to load it unless I'm running the new OS. So, if I'm not on the new OS, I don't update the App either. (Can't say I always read those screens though.)
I've made many visits to the Genius bar for various questions with both my phones and computers. Even stumped the go-to guy with an iTunes account problem once, but overall they've been quite helpful.
My positive experience, I think, is the one most people have, which is why this post didn't grab my attention until the fireworks started.
I'm wondering if the ease of the update has anything to do with the network as well as the model and/or manufacture date of the phone. Could be slight tweaks in production.
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