Apple's released a new version of iOS, designed to squash a Wi-Fi bug that's been frustrating owners of its shiny toys. But the update is seemingly only applicable to the iPhone 5 and iPad mini.
If you've heard about the update and are gazing, brow furrowed at your older iPhone or iPad, don't be alarmed as it appears that Apple is making this update available only for its newest two gadgets.
That's an unusual move, but Apple's support page does indeed list just the iPad mini and iPhone 5 in the 'system requirements' section.
The description says the update, which is available over-the-air, "Fixes a bug that could impact Wi-Fi", as well as a containing other improvements. There are no major new features in this update, however, so there's no reason to get too over-excited.
It's early days yet, but if you've been experiencing Wi-Fi wobbles on your iPhone or iPad, let me know if this update makes anything better in the comments, or on our Facebook wall. Techcrunch reports that some customers are struggling to access the update over the air, in which case you could try plugging your iOS device into your computer and installing the update via iTunes.
iOS 6 has seen a mixed reception, offering minor improvements over last year's software including Facebook integration and improved voice search through Siri, but letting customers down with a shonky Maps app.
Google's own Maps app for iOS was released into the App Store several days ago, prompting people to take the plunge and update to iOS 6. Had you been holding back on an update, or do you always download new software as soon as possible? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
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anonymous 19 December, 2012 12:18
Cnet help me, I am at work and have a very bad hangover. What's the best cure? I need it STAT
ElDiabloJuanCarl 19 December, 2012 12:23
Looks like Android is not the only mobile O/S that has to worry aboutm fragmentation anymore
anonymous 19 December, 2012 13:15
So much for the perfect os that apple users brag about lol
anonymous 19 December, 2012 13:43
Apple really needs a big iOS update, android is leaving them in their dust. Pretty excited for iOS 6.0.2.1 where it updated a minor bug in 6.0.2. Pfft.
I think I'll skip this update and take a #BounceBreak
anonymous 19 December, 2012 13:57
We have nothing but issues with the wifi in all our IOS devices since version6...before no issues. This sounds like upgrade to iphone 5 and ipad mini forced as we don't support last years products. Maybe windows should take note and upgrade the OS every year and don't support old versions then they would have even more money...what can we do?
signed so frustrated.
anonymous 19 December, 2012 16:46
I have been testing download speeds on the iPhone 5 and 6.02 has not addressed that problem.
anonymous 19 December, 2012 16:48
And wifi is still dropping off when phone is in sleep mode.
anonymous 19 December, 2012 16:59
Just upgraded and I am able to log into my work wifi network that is using WPA2 Enterprise. Before, I could connect, get a great signal, but network trafic through the phone at all. I was able to connect this morning, and did a speed test and got both 26.5 upload and 25.4 download speeds. Retested about an hour later and got the same. Will test again after lunch.
anonymous 19 December, 2012 17:03
It is quite odd that Apple did not offer any update to those of us who have been struggling with wifi connectivity issues on the iPhone 4s? Have they now decided that only their newest devices deserve support? I can tell you that, based upon my experience, as well as reading the forums, there are quite a few of us out there that really would like to see this most generous support extended to all Apple end-users.
anonymous 19 December, 2012 17:44
Didn't work for me.
The iPhone 5 is still much slower than the iPhone 4, both connected to the same WIFI.
Can't watch TED, can't listen to podcasts, a Vigi takes twice the time to start playing, etc...
What a disappointment.
Joshua Kilcullen 19 December, 2012 18:47
Wifi on my iPod touch keeps dropping out!! Is there a way to sort this or do I have to pray for a software update. So frustrating. GRRRRR
anonymous 19 December, 2012 19:05
Will it fix my clock issues? My time changes back 2 hours every once in awhile when in 4g
anonymous 19 December, 2012 19:21
its good using siri but when downloading music is too damm slow. could it be the app i use or what??
anonymous 19 December, 2012 19:21
correction good when using safari.
anonymous 19 December, 2012 20:05
it has caused a plroblem with my iPhone I can not view my app purchases any more or it does is go back to the home screen
anonymous 19 December, 2012 22:53
Updated ios but still same issue with dropping wifi connection ????
anonymous 19 December, 2012 23:48
Same here. This bug did NOT fix the wifi problem. I have changed routers, gotten various iPhone 5 replacements, and installed the updates. This phone has clear issues with wifi that are NOT fixed.
anonymous 20 December, 2012 01:35
I believe it didn't do my iPad mini any good because my wifi still drops on idle mode. So does that mean they released this update for "probable" reason ? Lame! This shouldn't be a trial and error! They should literally FIX it! We didn't pay that much money for a headache !
anonymous 20 December, 2012 03:11
This update actually has helped my battery life significantly...
anonymous 20 December, 2012 03:37
Update did not fix wifi issue in my iphone 5. Still sporadic connectivity. Same as before.
anonymous 20 December, 2012 04:40
You people are idiots in case you haven't noticed the phone supposed to go to sleep.
This means that the Wi-Fi connection will be broken and tell you wake the phone up again.
anonymous 20 December, 2012 05:59
I have install the 6.0.1, but why can't get the call forwarding function , reset my phone and can't delete the apps which I install on the phone ?
anonymous 20 December, 2012 07:34
Do i need to back-up before I update? This is my first iPhone and I'm not sure. Will be backing up over wifi :)
anonymous 20 December, 2012 09:07
To the idiot calling others idiots - the phone should NOT turn wifi off when going to sleep, an example of how this would be a bad thing would be when roaming abroad, as soon as the phone went to sleep you would incur data charges when email gets pushed out
anonymous 20 December, 2012 10:39
Not fixed for me at all, same as before updating...
anonymous 20 December, 2012 11:33
Not fixed for me either! I still cannot connect to our WIFI at my workplace..... Come on Apple!
anonymous 20 December, 2012 12:44
@anonymous 20 December, 2012 04:40
Not sure if it constructive to call people having problems idiots, it shows more on yourself. In any case to have WiFi turn off when the phone sleeps would be a very annoying 'feature' - what if your downloading something or streaming music? Maybe you should come down from your position that Apple can do no wrong.
Chopper Jockey 20 December, 2012 15:02
I had WiFi issues with my iPhone 5 and iPad mini whereby occasionally neither would connect to the router at work. So far they seem fine but its early days.
To those who's iDevices 'drop' WiFi, I had the same issue at home with a Netgear router earlier this year. I changed the router for an Apple AirPort Extreme a few months ago and neither myself, my wife or my 2 kids (all of which have iPhones) have never had a drop out since!! So you guys might want to try a different router?
anonymous 20 December, 2012 15:03
Apple = 100% overrated
Chopper Jockey 20 December, 2012 15:11
To those who believe WiFi shouldn't be 'dropped' when the phone is in sleep mode, I would say it absolutely should! If WiFi was left connected whilst in sleep mode all it's going to do is drain the battery for no reason! You don't need WiFi connected whilst you're not using it, surely that's just common sense?
It will remain connected whilst downloading updates/music/videos/software etc. but will drop it once download has completed. Simples?
Chopper Jockey 20 December, 2012 15:22
anonymous
Apple = 100% overrated
(YAAAAAAAWWWWNN) Yeah, thanks for your input....
anonymous 20 December, 2012 15:37
Lots of people with long standing issues with losing signal No Service on iPhone 5 appears to be fixed with 6.1 Beta - Check these out:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4406617?start=135&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4356115?start=135&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4375955?start=30&tstart=0
anonymous 20 December, 2012 16:11
On Android you get the option to have WiFi on during sleep mode. Just saying - if you want choice then jailbreak your iPhone or get something that doesn't treat you like a child.
anonymous 20 December, 2012 16:19
"To those who believe WiFi shouldn't be 'dropped' when the phone is in sleep mode, I would say it absolutely should! " - The idea that an iPhone might need to pick up an email must be pretty alien to you - this is a problem with iOS6 it wasn't an issue with iOS5.
anonymous 20 December, 2012 16:20
After update my phone is still dropping wifi in sleep mode. I need wifi when my phone is dormant as I work on a ship where wifi is my only form of communication for weeks at a time. I now no longer receive any push notifications, emails or any incoming calls through viber. This is a major pain in the ass which I didn't have before with my old 3gs which was connected to wifi 24/7 and never had problems with battery running low.
anonymous 20 December, 2012 18:47
@chopper jockey no worries!
anonymous 20 December, 2012 22:31
Chopper=Knob Jockey! Why do it to yourself!
anonymous 21 December, 2012 01:06
lost my wifi App completely ....&%#$Y@@!!!!Thanks Apple
anonymous 21 December, 2012 04:31
Update doesn't work!! Download speeds over high speed home network on old iPhone 4 around 500kbs, iPhone 5 both before and after update around only 30kbs. Come on Apple!!! This is ridiculous. What is going on???!!!!
anonymous 21 December, 2012 09:12
I wasn't having an issue with my Wi-Fi UNTIL I updated to 6.0.2 now it drops every few mins, I have to turn the Wifi off and turn it back on (on the phone) then RELAUNCH apps in order to use them for a few minutes before it goes out again. What the hell man??
anonymous 21 December, 2012 11:05
I have a 4S with wifi-issues since ios6.0.1 - sad to hear my device will not have the fix made available... Seems apple is loosing the plot as since 2 months, my smart phone is nothing but a 3G phone without wifi.
anonymous 21 December, 2012 12:31
iOS 6.0.2 did not fix the wifi issue with my iP5. While iP4, iPad2, iP3GS, & iP3, MacBook Pro & windows computer work great on the wifi.
anonymous 21 December, 2012 22:51
The ipad mini drops wifi connection when streaming videos. IOS 6.0.2 has not solved this. (And there are many other wifi devises in my household that stream without issues: windows laptop and desktop, iPhone 4S, android phones and tablet. Only the ipad mini has issues with wifi streaming! Frustrating!)
anonymous 22 December, 2012 10:26
when will it be available for iphone 4s ?
anonymous 23 December, 2012 16:51
Massive problems IP5 wifi. Fine before 6.02 now registering full wifi reception but no access on anything... Safari, sky go, fb nothing.
This is a disgrace Apple. Fix it now.
I pay too much for this kind of inconvenience.
anonymous 25 December, 2012 21:32
I had no problem whatsoever with Wifi until I updated this POS phone. Now, it won't connect at all. WTF do I do? Apple sucks my balls.
anonymous 27 December, 2012 04:20
Connected to same wifi and download speed for iphone 4S is faster than iphone 5. What a disappointment :(
anonymous 31 December, 2012 00:55
I've downloaded 6.0.2 and my wifi still drops and have to put the password in all the time (doesn't automatically connect at home) pointless update
anonymous 4 January, 2013 20:39
I was a late to try an iPhone. The first one I got was an iPhone 4 just before they released the iPhone 4s (only about 2 years ago). I was super happy with my phone until I upgraded to 6.0 and have horrible WiFi issues and data-overage issues ever since. I've been waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for the fix to be released. The longer I wait, the more time I have to research Droids and Samsungs. My cell phone upgrade period is coming up in 3-4 months. If there isn't a fix by then, I will happily leave iPhones behind and never look back.
Samantha Zoe Bird 17 January, 2013 11:09
Hi,
I wondered if anyone had any details of the other changes in iOS 6.0.2 other than the wifi fix? I'm a software tester and I am getting mixed results between iOS 6.0.1 and 6.0.2 but I can't find any decent specs on the changes. A website I am looking at uses cufon text (heavy javascript) and I can see this text on iPad3 which can only be upgraded to iOS 6.0.1. But on the iPad Mini on iOS 6.0.2, all of my cufon headings are now missing. I know apple don't seem to be Javascript fans, but they are really messing with my shizz.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Samantha Zoe Bird 17 January, 2013 11:11
Also I am sorry to ask this here but I find cNET to actually be a decent source of information. It is a shame I can't say the same for apple. They really should have release notes for the general public or atleast make them easy to find ...
anonymous 18 January, 2013 12:54
Disgusted that Apple aren't doing anything about it , my 4S suddenly developed the wifi issue 3 days ago even though I updated to 6.0.1 as soon as it was available . Apple want £25+ vat just to speak to me , why ? They've f@@ked the software up not me .Time to look at android I think as I've got a smartphone now that is basically an expensive iPod
cardac 18 January, 2013 14:55
the wi-fi issue is still completely evident - even in 6.0.2 .... the iPhone 5 - just refuses to join the wi-fi.. have to "force" it into connecting...
then sometimes - it falls of the wi-fi..!!
anonymous 19 January, 2013 08:46
I spoke to 02 yesterday with this same wifi problem, the tech asked me to text "wifi" to 2121 here in the uk. he was very confident this will cure the problem. lets see eh
anonymous 22 January, 2013 11:18
Take your sim card out and see what happens, My wifi signal went solid and over a 15m distance from the router. could it be the provider? I get my third iphone5 today. lets see if this one works.
anonymous 22 January, 2013 19:08
wifi should not drop when in sleep mode. no, it does not stay connected when streaming. I can manage my own battery, thank you very much Apple. I don't live in a post apocalyptic waste-land where electricity is like gold. It's not like there isn't a plug at home, or at work... or ANYWHERE I might be using WiFi.
anonymous 22 January, 2013 20:38
Apple should be honest and admit there are still issues and keep us informed what they are doing about it and when we can expect a fix. I have 4s and ipad2 on 6.01. iPad 2 been useless for months as wi fi not working . Also not working on 4s. Come on apple. U ever heard of customer service.....
anonymous 25 January, 2013 05:55
Received ipad mini for Christmas running 6.0.2 (latest up to date version) drops wifi continually, can't use tvcatchup, filmon, daily mail or anything that makes it work too hard, backing up from icloud dropped wifi continually. This device is a let down.
anonymous 20 February, 2013 16:28
iPhone 5 still gimped on wifi after 6.1.2 update last night. Phone has been restored to factory settings and tested on unsevured networks and still no joy. Only works in the Apple store who refuses to acknowledge the problem. They blame it on the router (and every other non apple router) - funny though iphone 4s in the house works fine.
anonymous 25 February, 2013 03:34
Get a petition to run iOS 5.1.1, as historically it was the most stable for iPhone 4S wifi-wise.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/748/142/899/ask-aapple-to-allow-users-to-downgrade-to-ios-5/
Let's spread the word...
anonymous 1 March, 2013 06:01
I have the new iPhone 5 and my phone continually goes into the no service mode. Very frustrating as incoming calls don't ring... go right into vpicemail, and can't make outgoing calls. Have to restart phone or wsit for service.... Never had this issue with iPhone 4. The latest update in February 2013 did mot fix this whatsoever..... still an issus and problem' Serious issue..I rely on phone service that I sm paying for... I would never chose to purchase the new iPhone had I known of this issue! Unacceptable Apple.
anonymous 6 March, 2013 16:20
i got a new iPhone 5.it doesnt at all connect to wifi..if at all it gets connected there will not be any signal...but rest of the other phones 4s and 4 will be connected...my dad's iPhone 5 will also connect to wifi xcept mine...can u plzz tel me solution