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iOS 5.1.1 Addresses Bugs

by Jeff Carlson Send Email to Author

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Apple today released iOS 5.1.1, a bug-fix update that addresses a handful of disclosed issues for all iOS 5-compatible devices. From Apple’s tech note, iOS 5.1.1:

  • Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut

  • Addresses bugs that could prevent the third-generation iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks

  • Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances

  • Improves reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List

  • Fixes an issue where an “Unable to purchase” alert could be displayed after successful purchase

Apple has not yet released information about the security content of the update on the Web, but the Apple Product Security mailing list reports that security fixes address a Safari vulnerability that enabled a malicious Web site to spoof the address in the location bar, multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in WebKit, and a memory corruption vulnerability in WebKit.

To get iOS 5.1.1, do one of the following:

  • In iTunes, select the iOS device in the sidebar and click Check for Update on the Summary screen. The download in iTunes will be very large — up to 1 GB in size — so don’t use this option if you’re in a hurry or low on disk space on your Mac.

  • On the device itself, go to Settings > General > Software Update. The direct-to-device update is much smaller — in the 40 MB to 50 MB range, and will thus be a much faster download.

 

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Comments about iOS 5.1.1 Addresses Bugs
(Comments are closed.)

Simon Allen  2012-05-07 23:14
Why is thaere is such a size difference between the upgrade methods. I had my IPhone 3GS bricked when I went to 5.0. I got an error 29 and neither I nor Apple could restore it. I used the later of the two methods. So is there any preference as to which is the safer?
Adam Engst  An apple icon for a TidBITS Staffer 2012-05-08 05:42
Our belief is that with the iTunes method, Apple is storing the file locally because historically that was how you restored the phone from scratch. It's not clear if restoring still uses that file or not.

Regardless, the on-device upgrade needs to be a small file because there likely isn't room for a big one. That was a major change in how Apple did updates for iOS 5.
John Law  2012-05-09 14:07
With all due respect Adam (and I have * lot*!) that doesn't seem to answer the question! 1GB versus 50MB? For the "same" update?
Jeff Carlson  An apple icon for a TidBITS Staffer 2012-05-09 14:08
Yes. The update on the device itself is a delta update, and only includes the changed elements. The larger update in iTunes is a full image. Sort of like the "combo" Mac OS X updater that you can download separately from what appears in Software Update.
John Law  2012-05-09 14:22
OK - gotcha: thanks!
jules  2012-05-09 15:52
Did the update this morning and now any time I try to retrieve mail I get the "password is incorrect" message. My password hasn't changed. What did? help!