Apple releases iOS 8.1.1; update adds speed to the Apple iPhone 4s and Apple iPad 2

posted by Alan F. / Nov 17, 2014, 7:55 PM

Apple releases iOS 8.1.1; update adds speed to the Apple iPhone 4s and Apple iPad 2

On Monday, Apple launched iOS 8.1.1. Besides the usual bug fixes and security updates, Apple says that the latest build of iOS will speed up two greybeards that are still owned by many, the Apple iPhone 4s and the Apple iPad 2. Earlier updates hit the two devices hard, so it is hoped that iOS 8.1.1 will allow both models to run at a decent speed.

Previous issues, such as one that affected iCloud Drive and iWork for iOS, are repaired. This should be a quick download and installation for those iOS models that are receiving the update. That includes the Apple iPhone 4s, Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 5c, Apple iPhone 5s, Apple iPhone 6, and Apple iPhone 6 Plus. All iPads will receive iOS 8.1.1 except for the OG Apple iPad; the fifth-generation Apple iPod Touch also will receive it.

While the update is being sent out OTA, you can try to pull it out of your device by going to Settings > General > Software Update. You might want to make sure you are connected to a Wi-Fi network when installing the update, even if it is lightweight. Also, keep your battery charged to at least 50% to make sure that your phone doesn't turn off before the update is completed.

Apple pushes out iOS 8.1.1

source: ArsTechnica via TechCrunch

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20 Comments

1. theguy2345

Posts: 1216; Member since: Jun 24, 2014

I guess I am going to update my Ipad Mini. I haven`t touched that thing in months. IOS 8 didn`t screw up as many thing as 7 did, but any update is appreciated.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 7:58 PM 0

8. PapaSmurf

Posts: 10457; Member since: May 14, 2012

Definitely not updating my 6 Plus. I'm not losing my precious jailbreak.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 10:43 PM 0

18. Droid_X_Doug

Posts: 5993; Member since: Dec 22, 2010

I don't think that anyone with a 4S would see performance approaching what they had with 6.1.4 from 8.1.1. The 4S just wasn't designed for the overhead of the multi-processing functions of v. 8.

posted on Nov 18, 2014, 2:51 AM 1

2. fzacek

Posts: 2486; Member since: Jan 26, 2014

Seems like Apple is trying to lure them in...

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 8:18 PM 2

4. Sauce2

Posts: 199; Member since: Oct 21, 2014

You're either sick or brainwashed.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 8:39 PM 4

7. Planterz

Posts: 2120; Member since: Apr 30, 2012

Apple has a history of pushing updates to devices that can't handle them, to force their customers to buy newer devices. iOS 7 sucks on the iPhone 4, and iOS 8 sucks on the 4s. Lots of people have stuck with older versions because of this. So does this 8.1.1 update actually make performance improvements, or is it just part of Apple's plot to make people spend more money?

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 9:29 PM 4

9. PapaSmurf

Posts: 10457; Member since: May 14, 2012

Why don't you find someone with an iPad 2 or 4S and ask them? I mean, that seems like the most logical thing to do no?

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 10:45 PM 4

13. Sauce2

Posts: 199; Member since: Oct 21, 2014

I have an iPad 2 and iOS 8 runs smoothly on it with very very few hiccups. I currently bought a tab2 but as far as my iPad 2 goes, iOS 8 runs great.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 11:39 PM 0

10. fzacek

Posts: 2486; Member since: Jan 26, 2014

Exactly, Apple might just be saying that 8.1.1 has speed improvements in order to make 4S owners update and make their device slow...

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 11:19 PM 1

16. Iodine

Posts: 1515; Member since: Jun 19, 2014

Why should they lie ? That would only make consumers angry. Why should a company, known for it's super optimized experience make a device intentionaly slow ? Even if you would be at Apple I bet you wouldn't do such thing, even though reading your post you are totaly off with your ideas. And you know what ? Yes it does bring quite a punch to those older devices.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 11:57 PM 0

11. Wiencon

Posts: 2278; Member since: Aug 06, 2014

Another hater, my friends still own iP4 and on iOS 7.1.2 it runs smoother than many Androids.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 11:31 PM 1

19. EcoCare

Posts: 444; Member since: Jul 30, 2014

That could be your opinion, but I'm not a hater. My friend has a iPhone 4 with iOS 7.1 too and I have to say that it performs like low-budget Android phone running Froyo or lower. It's not lagging but the animations, the scrolling, it stutters and skips frames a lot. My phone with Project Butter runs better with fluid graphics.

posted on Nov 18, 2014, 8:52 AM 0

14. Napalm_3nema

Posts: 2236; Member since: Jun 14, 2013

I stopped using my iPad 2 after updating to 8.0 (and 8.1, again). I had been using my Air 2 for everything, but I updated both to 8.1.1, and it has made a huge difference on my iPad 2.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 11:43 PM 1

15. Planterz

Posts: 2120; Member since: Apr 30, 2012

Cool. As much as I love to bash Apple, I'm pleased to read this. I don't know anybody with a 4s (just 4's or 5's), but a friend of mine has an iPad 2, which he's kept on 7 because of reports of lagging.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 11:54 PM 0

17. Iodine

Posts: 1515; Member since: Jun 19, 2014

Yes from my personal point of view 8.1.1 does bring speed improvements. That also means this update add's to a history of pushing updates to devices to optimize them to make consumers happy even with older hardware. iOS 7.1 runs rather nice on the 4, even better than 6.1 on 3GS i would say. iOS 8.1.1 runs even faster on the 4S and there are probably more optimalzations comming. Lot's of people are stuck with older hardware because of this.

posted on Nov 18, 2014, 12:10 AM 0

3. EC112987

Posts: 1216; Member since: Nov 10, 2014

I am an apple user as well and I agree these updates have just messed things up. None of my apple devices run as smooth as before. Everyone either loves or hates apple but personally I rather my device to run smoothly then to have it go crazy from time to time. With that said im not too upset that Android devices don't update as fast. As long as I'm able to use my device im happy, (iOS and Android user here)

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 8:39 PM 2

5. CreeDiddy

Posts: 2284; Member since: Nov 04, 2011

I disagree with you. Not very many speed issues that you claim. I would say QuickTime and video player and streaming can be improved, but the fluidity is there. Once Apple adds 2gb of RAM many of your speed issues will be away.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 8:48 PM 1

12. Wiencon

Posts: 2278; Member since: Aug 06, 2014

7.1 was a lot better, on 8 I had to ditch Safari for Mercury (thank God), it was running like piece of s.it every time I closed tab I had to wait 2 seconds and while having 3 tabs opened it has to refresh every one of them. I'm glad Mercury solved these problems but iOS 8 is waymore laggy than 7. iPad Air

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 11:34 PM 0

6. EC112987

Posts: 1216; Member since: Nov 10, 2014

But they don't add RAM to a device that I've already purchased so then fixing issues on a new device doesn't help me. Apple rushes updates all the time and from personal experience it makes Android so much better. For personal reasons I use both