iOS 6.0.1 Fixes Bugs, but Does It Prevent Excessive Data Usage?
Apple has released iOS 6.0.1 with fixes for a grab bag of connectivity bugs. While no single fix in the list seems to take aim at correcting the unexplained hoovering of data through cellular networks (for more on this, see Matt Neuburg’s “Mysterious iOS 6 Cellular Data Usage: A Deeper Look,” 24 October 2012), perhaps this collective group of fixes will help to mitigate the problem.
Connectivity issues addressed include improved reliability when connecting to encrypted WPA2 Wi-Fi networks using the iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch, the addition of a consolidated Use Cellular Data switch for iTunes Match, and resolution for an issue that prevented the iPhone from accessing a cellular network. On Adam Engst’s iPhone 5, however, Wi-Fi (which had been working fine under iOS 6.0) failed to work at all under 6.0.1 until the device was powered down and rebooted.
The update also fixes a problem where horizontal lines could be displayed across the keyboard, a bug affecting Exchange meetings, a bug that prevented the camera flash from operating, and a Passcode Lock bug that could allow Passbook pass details to be viewed from the lock screen. A couple of WebKit security vulnerabilities were also closed. It does not fix a bug that causes previously played audio (such as an iTunes U lecture) to start playing again unexpectedly after iOS uses other audio (such as playing an alarm sound).
iOS 6.0.1 is compatible with the following models: iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, third-generation iPad, iPad 2, fifth-generation iPod touch, and fourth-generation iPod touch. We presume the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad will either ship with iOS 6.0.1, or will update to it immediately.
You can download the 43.3 MB update either via iTunes on a computer or via an over-the-air update on compatible iOS devices — initiate the update in Settings > General > Software Update. However, iPhone 5 owners looking to update wirelessly will first need to download another app called Updater for iPhone 5 before downloading iOS 6.0.1, since the iPhone 5 is unable to install software updates over the air under iOS 6.0. This app, which shows up as iOS Updater on the Home screen, disappears once 6.0.1 is installed.
Seeing the version number, 6.0.1, I can't help but think "Andromeda Strain"!
Based on my admittedly unscientific test, no it doesn't. I read one article on the Verge, refreshed tweets, refreshed Facebook, and checked email. In all, 5 minutes of use, nearly 6 MB data received. To put that in perspective, I used to use my iPhone for browsing all day and never exceeded 300 MB per month (~10 MB/day).
You know, around the same time that Apple released iOS 6, Facebook released a new app built fresh from the ground up. Possible the new Facebook app is using a lot of data? From looking at the formatting of the new newsfeed, it appears the app downloads entire albums at a time: if you have photo-happy friends, it wouldn't surprise me if refreshing your newsfeed could by itself use multiple MB of data.
Some of the data dumping was fixed but some still remains, based on our tests. The latest test showed that data dumping occurred even when cellular data was turned OFF totally!
I can't help but wonder if the iOS update itself is automatically downloaded. It seems like it was on my two devices which is not good on large updates considering I have satellite broadband with data limits. Does anyone know if this is true?
And it doesn't appear as if the Bluetooth issues have been addressed at all. Still cannot make/receive phone calls in my car.
I see so few comments on the issue with not being able to access your previously "Purchased" apps via Wi-Fi or via cellular from your iOS device, if you have a large number of apps! I have over 3000 Apps and I have had a trouble ticket open at Apple since days after iOS 6 came out. Accessing my large number of Apps was never a problem prior to iOS 6... When i go to "Purchased" Apps, the App Store hangs for about 30 seconds or so, then goes to the home screen every time...The problem is reproducible on iPhone 4, 5 and iPad 3 even after clean installs... 6.0.1 didn't help. Anyone else with these challenges or similar configurations? Any thoughts?
3000 apps! Holy cats - I thought I had a lot with 360. It's certainly too bad that iOS 6 can't handle this, but I'm not entirely surprised, given that the number is so large. I doubt they would have tested with that many.