In general, the release of iOS7 has resonated with positive sentiments. The overhauled system has a sleek and transparent look to it. Despite the approving feedback, there have been reported issues with the new operating system. Below are five of the most common issues people have encountered after upgrading to iOS7, with a few tips on how to fix them.
1. Battery Drainage
Many have experienced a decreased battery life with their device, and it’s not a problem with the device itself. It’s simply because iOS7 requires more battery power than the previous operating systems. At the moment, there is not much that can be done to counter this issue. However, consider trying the following:
- Screen Brightness – Lowering the screen’s brightness will help reduce battery consumption.
- Cellular Data – Provided you don’t need Internet access on the go, turning off cellular data for even short periods will minimalize power usage.
- AirDrop – Though not new to Apple Laptops, AirDrop is a new feature of iOS7. With AirDrop, updated users can now share and transfer files via Wifi to other iDevices with this feature. It can also contribute to a shortened battery life, so disable AirDrop while not in use.
- Apps – Close any unneeded apps, to preserve battery power.
2. iMessaging
Although the affected are few, there have been complaints with iMessaging. Some users report that their messages are either not converting to SMS format, or simply not sending.
There is no true fix yet, but there is a method that seems to do the trick:
- 1. Enter “Settings” > “Messages” > Disable iMessaging
- 2. After disabling iMessage, reenter “Settings” > “General” > Click “Reset”
- 3. Once the network has reset, enter “Settings” > “Messages” > Enable iMessaging
This has fixed the problem for many, but only a system update from Apple will fully rid iOS7 of this bug.
3. Motion Sickness
Interestingly enough, some people have become motion sick from the new iOS. The revamped background and zoom effects are appealing, but for some it’s too much. This is because, while the user and their iDevice remain stable, excessive on-screen movements cause the eyes to sense movement that does not actually occur, causing motion sickness (healthland.time.com).
Thankfully, there’s a fix for this:
Enter “Settings” > “General” > “Accessibility” > Click “Reduce Motion”
4. Lagging
Some have found their upgrade to iOS7 has left their iDevice slower than before. The new system has been said to lag when opening applications or performing other operations.
It should be noted that most of these reports come from individuals with an iPhone 4, 4S, or older iPad model. It’s to be expected that older devices will have greater issues with processing. Newer iDevices, such as the iPhone 5, 5S, 5C, and iPad Mini, don’t seem to lag in any way.
There is no fix for lagging when it’s due to an older iDevice.
5. Applications
In addition to problems with the operating system, there are minor issues with running certain applications. Apple gave warning, urging applications to update and modify so that they are compatible with iOS7 . Not all apps have complications with functionality, only ones that use parts of the device which are directly affected by the operating system.
The only way to counter problems with application performance is to simply wait until it’s updated in the App Store.
Is It Worth The Update?
Despite the various issues with the new iOS, it has a renewed look and feel, with additional capabilities. Apple will eventually provide an update that will iron out any flaws or bugs with the current version. Your iPhone or iPad will not be destroyed by upgrading. Also, only a fraction of people have encountered the problems described. There’s no harm in upgrading and no harm in not doing so.
Sources:
Williams, Andrew. iOS Battery Life Problems. 26 09 2013. 03 10 2013 trustedreviews.com/opinions/ios-7-battery-life-problems-how-to-fix-battery-drain.
Apple. How to Reduce Screen Motion. 24 September 2013. 1 October 2013 support.apple.com/kb/HT5595.
-. iOS: Using AirDrop. 18 September 2013. 1 October 2013 support.apple.com/kb/HT5887.
Apple Insider. Apple Confirms iOS7 Causing iMessage Issues, Says Fix is in the Works. 1 October 2013. 1 October 2013 appleinsider.com/articles/13/10/02/apple-confirms-ios-7-causing-imessage-issues-says-fix-is-in-the-works.
Sifferlin, Alexandra. iOS7 Making You Dizzy? Here’s Why-And Fix. 30 September 2013. 1 October 2013 healthland.time.com/2013/09/30/ios7-making-you-dizzy-heres-why-and-a-fix/.