Earlier this month Apple updated iOS to v6.1, adding support for LTE networks in more countries, Siri-based ticket buying via Fandango, new music controls on lock screen, bug fixes and more. But for owners of the iPhone 4S, it also brought performance issues for 3G-based models. Apple iPhone 4S owners reported issues in making calls, sending texts and accessing the Internet.
The iOS 6.1 problems associated with the 4S model were so problematic that UK and European cellular networks including Three Austria and Vodafone warned customers to avoid the update despite the cool features. They even sent text messages directly to customers to prevent them from upgrading to the latest iOS.
"We’re aware of an issue caused by Apple iPhone 4s handsets that have been upgraded to iOS 6.1 which impacts performance on 3G," Vodafone said on its website. "While Apple’s investigations continue, we would recommend that anyone who has not yet installed iOS 6.1 on their iPhone 4s should delay doing so until Apple has confirmed that their problem has been fixed."
ZDNet reports that iOS 6.1 also caused over-logging on Exchange Server connected accounts which in many cases caused a corporate 'ban' on iOS 6.1-powered devices in some enterprises. The update also seemingly amplified persistent Wi-Fi connectivity problems which initially appeared for some customers who upgraded to the previous iOS 6.0, preventing the device from connecting. Also on the list of problems have been shortened battery life and overheating issues.
Apple dished out the 6.1.1 patch to developers last week and is now making it an OTA update for iPhone 4S owners not. The company says the update "fixes an issue that could impact cellular performance and reliability for iPhone 4S" but didn't reveal the nature of the problem. The patch also doesn't seem to address any of the other reported problems like battery use and overheating.
