Apple’s iOS 8.1 has arrived and with it, Phone 6 and 6 Plus users can take advantage of the new mobile payment option – Apple Pay. Apple iOS 8.1 also offers the ability to send/receive texts and phone calls from your phone on your Mac, the return of “Camera Roll,” the public beta of iCloud Library and more. Discover what’s new with the latest update and if you should take advantage of the latest iOS version below!
Your MacBook Is Calling
The update brings connectivity between desktop and mobile to a whole new level! With the update, you now have the ability to make and receive calls at your desk, and to get texts from your friends even if they’re not using Apple devices (its no longer limited to iMessage devices). With iOS 8.1 bring continuity to your network of devices and even turn your device into an instant hotspot (You can connect your iPad to the hotspot on your phone, if it’s within range). (I wonder how this will affect new iPad wifi + cellular sales? I digress.)
The Camera Roll Is Back
Bringing the Camera Roll back does eliminate some confusion since it was replaced with the “Recently Added” folder instead. (You didn’t notice that it disappeared? You obviously don’t search for last year’s selfies enough…) The iCloud Photo Library will let users save photos and videos to their account and sync with any device. (Beware – you know, celebrity nudes getting hacked and all.)
Apple Pay
Perhaps the most hyped addition to iOS 8.1 is Apple Pay, which will let iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users tap their devices at retail checkout terminals to pay for items. The wallet service requires Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint authentication and an iPhone with near field communication (NFC) technology, which is only featured on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Pay, Tap and Go!
How To Update To iOS 8.1
iOS 8.1 is available for your device as an over-the-air update, which you can find by going to Settings > General > Software Update; you can also plug your phone or tablet into your computer and update via iTunes. To use the new Continuity features with your Mac, you’ll have to download and install OS X 10.10 from the Mac App Store, for the free update.
Have you downloaded the new update yet? What are you looking forward to most? Desktop calling, easy access to your photos via the return of the Apple camera roll or Apple Pay?
