Apple has released iOS 8.0.2, the second update to its problematic iOS 8, after iOS 8.0.1 brought about more problems instead of fixes to the new mobile platform.
iOS 8.0.2, which is available as an over-the-air download, addresses issues caused by iOS 8.0.1 where users were completely cut off from their cellular networks. The first update was supposed to fix an iOS 8 bug that caused cellular usage to rise above normal levels when sending SMS and MMS messages, but the first update turned off cellular service entirely. iOS 8.0.2 also fixes an issue that some users have had with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner of their iPhones not working after downloading the first update.
Along with iOS 8.0.2, Apple also issued a public apology.
"iOS 8.0.2 is now available for users, it fixes an issue that affected iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who downloaded iOS 8.0.1, and includes improvements and bug fixes originally in iOS 8.0.1," says Apple in a statement. "We apologize for inconveniencing the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who were impacted by the bug in iOS 8.0.1."
iOS 8.0.2 also addresses issues originally addressed by iOS 8.0.1, including a HealthKit bug that forced Apple to pull out health and fitness app running on the platform from the App Store on day one and another that prevented third-party keyboards from showing up when users are asked to enter their passcode. Other improvements include enhancing the reachability of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, removing a bug that prevented apps from accessing the Photo Library and another bug that prevented users from uploading photos and videos in Safari.
Less than 40,000 iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus owners were reportedly affected by the iOS 8.0.1 glitches, according to Apple.
Apple to @CNBCJosh: Less than 40,000 iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices were impacted by yesterday’s iOS 8.0.1 bugs.
— CNBC Tech (@CNBCtech) Sept. 26, 2014
MacRumors reports that "multiple users" in Australia are still experiencing problems with their cellular connection and Touch ID after downloading iOS 8.0.2.
Analysts believe that the glitchy updates shouldn't be a major issue for Apple, given how the company develops its own software and hardware instead of putting together off-the-shelf components like other smartphone makers do.
"Normally, things like this - software updates - are a strength for Apple and something that is easier for them than for almost any other device or operating system maker, because Apple has full control of the hardware and the software," says analyst Frank Gillett at Forrester Research.
But insiders who are former Apple employees tell Bloomberg that software testing have become problematic at Cupertino, especially since CEO Tim Cook has restricted the use of unreleased iPhones to senior managers who have acquired "special permissions." This means testing engineers normally do not get their hands on the newest iPhones until they are released to the public.
Bloomberg's sources also claim that Apple has a Bug Review Board, called BRB, headed by Kim Vorrath, Apple vice president of product management for iOS and Mac, which is tasked with evaluating which software defects to address immediately and which ones can be shelved for later fixes. BRB meetings, sources say, can end up becoming a struggle between engineers and managers, with the former pushing for more time to fix the updates and the latter hard-pressed to meet deadlines.
Apple's updates have arrived rapidly. Just a week after releasing iOS 8, which was quickly followed by user complaints of multiple bugs, the iPhone maker released iOS 8.0.1 on Thursday, which was quickly pulled out and followed by iOS 8.0.2 on Thursday night.
