iOS 9.0.2 users unhappy, downgrades to iOS 8.4.1 unpermitted

Apple promised a number of enhancements in the recently released iOS 9 that users will “appreciate” everyday. However, the reality seemed to be far away with problems being detected one by one - installation difficulties; locking up of iPhones, iPads and iPod touches with ‘Slide to Upgrade’; unavailability of App Slicing and upgrade issue between iOS 8 and iOS 9 that affected Mobile data settings.

The Cupertino company quickly released a minor software update, iOS 9.0.1, which included bug fixes like fixing an issue where some users could not complete setup assistant after updating, where some users with a custom APN setup via a profile would lose cellular data, fixing issues in alarms and timers, and issue in Safari and Photos where pausing video could cause the paused frame to appear distorted.

Soon after Apple came up with a second update to the iOS 9 software – iOS 9.0.2, on September 30, which contained bug fixes and improvements including:

• Fixes an issue with the setting to turn on or off app cellular data usage
• Resolves an issue that prevented iMessage activation for some users
• Resolves an issue where an iCloud Backup could be interrupted after starting a manual backup
• Fixes an issue where the screen could incorrectly rotate when receiving notifications
• Improves the stability of Podcasts

Bitnessetc reported the problems with the second upgrade – broken notifications (not receiving audible and vibration alerts both on native and third-party apps, including mainstream applications like the native Mail, Whatsapp, Facebook and even reminders), hanging emails (not receiving notifications for mails and over 27,000 users on Apple Support Communities complained that they aren't receiving any mails at all) and iMessage failure.

Comparison videos showing iOS 9 and iOS 8 running on all iPhones that can be updated to iOS 9, including the iPhone 4s, have revealed that iOS 8 can be a little faster than iOS 9 in some instances, BGR said.

“That might be a reason for iPhone 4s and iPad 2 users to want to jump back to iOS 8.4.1 though the problems aren’t that severe”, it added.

However, downgrade to iOS 8 from iOS 9 is no longer possible, as the iPhone maker as stopped signing all iOS 8 versions. With the release of the second update, Apple closed the signing window for iOS 8.4.1 and even iOS 9.0.0.

“For a couple of weeks after the iOS 9 release, users who updated to the latest version were able to unofficially downgrade to iOS 8.4.1 if they wanted to, but that is no longer possible”, GottaBeMobile said.

Apple has released iOS 9.1 beta 5 recently for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with build 13B139, 13B137. The release date and time for the iOS 9.1 update hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it is expected that iPad Pro will ship with it. With the iPad Pro release set for November (shipping date not confirmed), speculations are rife that the latest iOS upgrade will release towards the end of this month or in November.