iOS 10 Launch: Apple Apologises For iPhone Update Problems

Apple has apologised for the problems the release of iOS 10 has caused some iPhone users, who ran into flaws and ‘bricked’ devices after installing the mobile operating system.

In a statement sent to TechWeekEurope Apple acknowledged the problems and said it has fixed the issues.

“We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability. The problem was quickly resolved and we apologise to those customers. Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help,” said Apple.

Install issues

Less than a week on from the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple has pushed out iOS 10, which overhauls a number of its core iOS applications, including Music, Maps and Messages, as well as giving developers access to several services, most notably Siri, in iOS 10

However, some users are reporting problems when they install or attempt to install, iOS 10. On Twitter there are people complaining that installing iOS 10 has cause their iPhones to shut down and not restart.

“Yep, first time in ages I decide to update iOS on release, and now it’s into recovery mode. Thanks #iOS10,” said Twitter user Andy Boxall.

Angry iPhone user William Wolfe-Wylie tweeted: “Sooo, my iphone is on its third attempt to install #iOS10 and is failing. Recovery mode. Bad. What the hell, Apple…”

“Everyone’s saying #iOS10 is messing up their phones and I already pressed update,” said another Twitter user Newport Shawty, who could possibly come to regret the decision.

It is worth noting that other users have expressed positive results from downloading and installing iOS 10, so the problems do not seem to be affecting every iPad and iPhone user.

Such teething problems with the launch of a new version of iOS are not uncommon, to the extent Apple advises users to backup their iPhones and iPads using iCloud before attempting to install the latest mobile OS. Once these problems are overcome, iOS 10 will offer its users a whole swathe of new features.

iOS 10

Apple first revealed iOS 10 back in June at its WWDC 2016 conference where it detailed various new features such how Siri now enables third party integrations with applications like Uber and WhatsApp, allowing users to send requests using the voice-activated personal assistant.

The virtual assistant can also help QuickType become more contextually aware by summoning information such as recent addresses and calendar availability for messages.

Messages itself has been given an overhaul with rich link previews, ‘bubble effects’, invisible ink, handwritten notes, larger emojis and full screen effects.

“Messages is the most frequently used app on iOS,” added Federighi at WWDC, who revealed the application was being opened to developers, allowing users to use other services directly from within the software. Maps has been given similar functionality, while Apple Music has been overhauled following its lacklustre critical reception when it was launched last year. News has been given a redesign and now allows publishers to offer subscriptions

With smartphones offering such a range of functionality, it seems odd that its principal feature – the ability to make calls – has not received a significant update in some time. iOS 10 allows for voicemail transcription – something which is useful in the fight against spam – and now integrates with Voice over IP (VoIP) applications like WhatsApp.

Cisco’s Spark app was also shown off, demonstrating the potential for the feature to be used in the workplace.

Privacy focus

“All of this work on iOS 10 would be meaningless if we didn’t protect your privacy,” added Federighi in a veiled reference to the company’s recent battle with the US authorities. He said communications would continue to be encrypted by default and confirmed the new facial and object recognition features in Photos worked locally so there was no need to send any data to the cloud.

“I’m a bit blown away how they did this but when you own the hardware, software and the cloud, this opens up a lot of possibilities,” said Patrick Moorhead, an analyst at Moor Insight Strategy. “I believe Apple has done much more with AI than they talk about.

“Siri is a complete AI platform and they were first to market with one. Even their phone multitasking and power management uses AI schemas. I believe if Apple let’s people under the AI covers we will see elements of AI leadership.”

Lock screen notifications have been updated to make better use of 3D touch and more interactive widgets as well as new controls in the control centre, Notes now allows for live collaboration with other users and Safari can support split screen tabs on iPad.

Finally, HomeKit now has a dedicated application called ‘Home’, which allows users to control all of their connected devices from a single place and create ‘preset’ profiles. For example, telling Siri it’s time to wake up could see lights switched on in the bedroom.

“There aren’t many HomeKit-enabled devices in aggregate now, but I like what I heard from Apple. Security and privacy are key and sometimes that stretches out time for manufacturers to be ready with security compliant-hardware,” added Moorhead. “I was pleasantly surprised to see the Home App as I thought that was a missing element at launch. The Home App will dramatically improve usability for the consumer.”

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