iPhone 14 gets a special iOS 16.1.2 update to fix two big features that Apple proudly advertised.
iPhone 14 gets a special update before that much-awaited iOS 16.2 update. the iPhone 14 series has been around since September 2022 and users around the world have reported weird bugs ever since. Apple has been busy fixing the bugs and troubles with software patches. In the meantime, it also released new features of the iOS 16 in the iOS 16.1 patch, adding a universal battery meter on all the iPhone models. now there is a new patch for the iPhone 14 models.
Apple has now released the iOS 16.1.2 update for all iPhones currently running on the iOs 16.1. Although the update comes to iPhone models, the effects will only be visible on the iPhone 14 models, which include the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Here are all the improvements you can expect from the iOs 16.1.2 update:
Features and improvements
The new update will improve the compatibility of iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models with several wireless services. The crash detection feature on the iPhone 14 series is also expected to improve now with this update. other than that, the update also promises to fix some know bugs and issues.
The iPhone 14 series is witnessing a huge demand lately, especially for the Pro variants. The supply chain constraints and the labor protests in China have only added to Apple’s suffering. The Pro variants bring all the new features such as the new 4nm A16 Bionic Chip, a Dynamic Island design for the notch, a new camera system led by a 48 MP sensor and a new 12 MP ultrawide camera, and a more power-efficient OLED display. The Pro Max variant goes on to offer a larger 6.7 inches display and a bigger capacity of the battery.
The improved wireless carrier compatibility is something of a mystery. Apple offers no further explanation, and it doesn’t relate to 5G support for iPhones in India, which is coming in iOS 16.2 (more in ‘The Road Ahead’ section below). Some performance issues have been reported, but right now, we don’t know what carriers or countries will benefit from the changes.
Apple needs to be more explicit here, and I have asked the company for details. I will update this guide when/if I receive a reply.
On the other hand, Crash Detection optimizations are long overdue. The feature, which itself was a catch-up to the ‘Car Crash Detection’ feature available on Android since 2019, has made headlines for triggering on rollercoasters, ski slopes, and more.
Aside from this, I have not found any fixes omitted from the official release notes (something Apple has done with increasing regularity in recent years). Apple did promise to patch an advertising-related bug at the start of November, but it doesn’t appear to have made it into iOS 16.1.2 either.
iOS 16.1.2 Security
At the time of publication, Apple’s official security page has not listed any security fixes for iOS 16.1.2 but does tease “details available soon.” I will update this section once that information is published.
Apple iOS 16.1.2 Verdict: Upgrade
For keen upgraders, I don’t see any show-stopping issues with iOS 16.1.2. While the carrier improvements are a mystery, the Crash Detection improvements are essential and should reduce the number of false calls made to emergency services.
For cautious upgraders, note I will keep this guide updated and provide a final verdict in a week. iOS 16.2 is a popular target for many iPhone owners still running iOS 15, but Apple’s feature-heavy releases often contain more bugs than the more minor updates. As such, it would be helpful if iOS 16.1.2 could be a (relatively) reliable stepping stone.
The Road Ahead
Apple iOS 16.2 has now hit beta 4, and the feature-focused release includes multiple new features, such as the collaborative Freeform whiteboard app and a new Home app architecture.
Critically, iOS 16.2 also adds support for Apple’s new ‘Rapid Security Response’ feature. This allows security patches to be installed on iPhones and iPads independent of new iOS versions. Android has operated this way for some time and issues monthly security patches. Join the Apple Beta Software Program if you’d like to try iOS 16.2 before it launches towards the end of December.