Apple’s iOS 11.2.1 update continues to reign as the most current version of iOS, although it may be replaced by iOS 11.2.5 in the near future.
The iOS 11.2 update introduces a long list of new features and fixes, but it also brought problems to many iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners.
If you’re upgrading from the iOS 11.2 update, your iOS 11.2.1 release comes with a short changelog and a small download. iOS 11.2.1 is only a few MB for iPhone X, iPhone 7 and more.
If you’re upgrading from an older version of iOS 11, your iOS 11.2.1 update will be much larger thanks to the updates you skipped. If you skipped iOS 11.2, your iOS 11.2.1 update will be several hundred MB.
iOS 11.2.1 is a minor download, but it can have a significant impact on your device’s performance. You may see performance gains, but chances are you’ll run into problems. Current issues include severe battery drain, abnormal amount of lag, and issues with first- and third-party apps.
Our iOS 11.2.1 guide includes our impressions of iOS 11.2.1 on iPhone and iPad, information on downgrading to iOS 11.2.1, and a look at what’s next in Apple’s iOS 11 pipeline.
iOS 11.2.1 Review
If you’re currently using iOS 11.2, you should be able to download and install the iOS 11.2.1 update in under 10 minutes.
The iOS 11.2.1 update is only a few megabytes for most devices. The iPhone X iOS 11.2.1 update is only 68.7 MB in size. Pretty much the same on iPhone 7, iPhone SE and many other models.
As a result, it took around 7 minutes to complete the download and installation on the iPhones and iPads we have.
If you’re migrating from an older version of iOS, you can expect a longer download time and a longer install. Note that the features and fixes from the iOS updates you skipped were made in iOS 11.2.
For more information on the exact timing of your device, check out our step-by-step.
We did not notice a sharp drop in battery life on the iPhone or iPad. We did not notice any problems with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and were able to connect to our routers, eeros, headphones and speakers.
Our core apps are performing well, and we haven’t noticed any catastrophic issues with popular apps like Slack, Asana, Gmail, Chrome or Spotify.
We encountered a significant amount of UI lag on older devices like the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6. Animations are often choppy. We experienced the same with iOS 11.2 and iOS 11.1.2.
While most people should install iOS 11.2.1, those of you using older devices should be careful.
If you need additional feedback on iOS 11.2.1, check out our reasons for downloading and not installing the iOS 11.2.1 update on your device right now.
We’ve put together mini iOS 11.2.1 reviews and you can find them for iPhone X, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone SE and iPad Air 2, iPad at these links. Air and iPad mini 2.
iOS 11.2.1: What’s New
iOS 11.2.1 does not come with a huge changelog like iOS 11.2. The list of changes is short and focused on fixing issues plaguing the company’s HomeKit platform.
iOS 11.2 users discovered zero-day iOS HomeKit vulnerability Inside iOS 11.2. The vulnerability allows unauthorized inspection of accessories, including garage door openers and smart locks.
Apple released a server-side fix last week, but the company regained full functionality with the release of iOS 11.2.1 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
iOS 11.2.1 update also fixes autofocus issue on some iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus models. We did not notice the issue on iOS 11.2, but some users noticed that their camera was not focusing properly when running the previous version of iOS 11.
If you haven’t been able to download iOS 11.2, your iOS 11.2.1 update comes with a whole lot more including a fix for unexpected shutdowns On iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
iOS 11.2.1 Issues
The iOS 11.2.1 update is a bug fix update, but it is causing problems for many iOS 11 users.
iPhone and iPad users are complaining of installation and download issues, issues connecting to Bluetooth, weird battery drain, and issues with apps. We also hear about issues with Touch ID, Face ID, lag, and Wi-Fi.
If you’re seeing iOS 11.2.1 issues on your phone or tablet, take a look at our list of fixes for common iOS 11 issues. We’ve also posted tips for improving iOS 11 performance on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, and tips for improving iOS 11 battery life.
If you can’t find a solution for your problem, you can try downgrading to an older version of iOS 11.
Apple currently logs out on only one version of iOS 11: iOS 11.2. This means that if iOS 11.2.1’s issues are too much to handle, you can revert to it.
Unfortunately, there is no reverting to anything older than iOS 11.2. Apple has permanently closed other downgrade loopholes.
iOS 11.2.1 Jailbreak
The jailbreak developers recently released a working iOS 11 jailbreak for iOS 11.0-iOS 11.1.2. Unfortunately it does not come with Cydia and is not compatible with iOS 11.2, iOS 11.2.1 and iOS 11.2.5.
If you’re currently jailbroken on iOS 10 or lower, or think you might want to jailbreak your phone or tablet, you’ll want to avoid iOS 11.2, iOS 11.2.1, and iOS 11.2.5.
For more information on the iOS 11 jailbreak status, take a look at our summary.
what’s next
It looks like Apple may skip iOS 11.2.2, iOS 11.2.3, and iOS 11.2.4 in favor of iOS 11.2.5.
The company has confirmed an iOS 11.2.5 update, and the software is currently in beta before an unknown release date. It’s unclear why the company skipped the two versions.
We assume the name could be a placeholder in case Apple releases additional bugfix updates.
The iOS 11.2.5 update seems to include more than just fixes and patches. It should bring upgrades to Siri and may offer Apple’s long-awaited AirPlay 2 solution.
We expect iOS 11.2.5 to be released alongside the new HomePod speaker, so watch out for its release as we head into the new year.
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