Apple iOS 8.1 To Launch Today. Here's What Is Coming In The Update

 

 

Apple AAPL +1.46%’s senior vice president of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said that Apple iOS 8.1 will be releasing today. Apple iOS 8.1 includes bug fixes, functionality for several Continuity features, the iCloud Photo Library, Apple Pay and the return of the Camera Roll.

Continuity

Continuity lets you easily switch between your iPhone, iPad and Mac or use them together. Continuity features include Handoff, Phone Calling, Instant Hotspot and SMS from any device. Several Continuity features became available when Apple launched the Yosemite operating system for Macs last week during the new iPad event, but iOS 8.1 is required to support SMS from any device and Instant Hotspot. The Instant Hotspot and SMS support features were originally supposed to launch as part of iOS 8, but they had to be delayed until the update was released.

SMS from any device

When Apple launched OS X Mountain Lion in July 2012, it included an app called Messages. Messages is an instant messaging software app that lets users send messages to Macs, iPhones, iPads and iPhones that are compatible with iMessage. After you update to Apple iOS 8.1, you will be able to send and receive SMS/MMS text messages from your iPad or Mac. In the chat bubbles, Apple distinguishes iMessages with blue backgrounds and standard SMS messages with green backgrounds.

SMS from any device / Credit: Apple

Instant Hotspot

Instant Hotspot will be enabled when you update to iOS 8.1. If you are not in WiFi range, your iPad or Mac can connect to the personal hotspot on your iPhone if it is close by. The name of your iPhone will appear in the list of WiFi networks in the Settings on your iPad and WiFi menu on your Mac.

Instant Hotspot / Credit: Apple

iCloud Photo Library

The iCloud Photo Library allows users to save pictures and videos to their iCloud account. If you have this feature enabled, smaller versions of your photos are stored on your iOS device to save storage space. Your iCloud Photo Library will be accessible through any iOS device or through the iCloud website. Apple plans to eventually sync your iCloud Photo Library with a future version of the Photos app for Macs so you will be able to easily view your photos stored in the cloud from your computer.

iCloud Photo Library / Credit: Apple

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is the most anticipated feature launching with iOS 8.1. Apple Pay is a mobile payment service that will let users pay for goods at retailers and restaurants using iOS devices. The NFC-enabled devices that are compatible with Apple Pay include iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and the upcoming Apple Watch.

Apple Pay essentially replaces traditional credit and debit cards that have magnetic stripes. Apple devices will be able to wirelessly communicate with point of sale systems using near field communication (NFC) technology. Transactions are authorized with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and Passbook. If you have an older iOS device like the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C or iPhone 5S, then you will be able to use Apple Pay by connecting it to an Apple Watch.

Apple said that 220,000 retail locations will support Apple Pay at launch. Stores that will support Apple Pay include Macy’s, Target TGT -0.62%, Walgreens and Bloomingdales. The participating restaurants include Subway , Panera Bread and McDonald’s.

Apple Pay / Credit: Apple

Bug Fixes And The Return Of The Camera Roll

Apple iOS 8.1 will include bug fixes and the return of the Camera Roll. One of the bug fixes will be for an issue that makes it hard for iOS 8 users to pair with Bluetooth devices.

When iOS 8 launched, Apple replaced the Camera Roll with a section called “Recently Added.” The “Recently Added” section includes photos and videos that were taken within the last month. Apple is likely bringing back the Camera Roll due to a negative response from users about the change.

Recently Added Album / Credit: Screenshot by Amit Chowdhry

It is unknown what time Apple will be releasing iOS 8.1, but I will update this post when it is officially released.