iPad iOS 9.1 Update Review: Should You Install it?

Last week, Apple released an iPad iOS 9.1 update. We use it on various versions of Apple, and today we want to help you decide if you should install the iPad iOS 9.1 update, new features and bug fixes.

September has been an extremely busy month for Apple and iOS software. The company rolled out three iOS 9 updates to the public (iOS 9.0, iOS 9.0.1 and iOS 9.0.2) and an iOS 9.1 update for beta testers and developers. October was no different.

This month, Apple released two more iOS 9 updates. Last week was iOS 9.1. An iOS 9.2 beta this week. While an iOS 9.2 release date is uncertain, we remain focused on the iOS 9.1 upgrade available to all iPad users.

Apple’s iOS 9.1 update is the first milestone upgrade to iOS 9 and brings tons of bug fixes and a few new features to Apple’s lists. It’s much bigger than the iOS 9.0.1 and iOS 9.0.2 updates that came before it.

I’ve been using the iPad iOS 9.1 update for a week on three versions of the iPad: iPad Air 2, the original iPad Air and iPad mini 2. Now it’s time to take a look at long-term performance. .

iPad iOS 9.1 Update Review

Before we get in there are a few things to note. First, all of these devices have been migrated from iOS 9.0.2 to iOS 9.1. Second, distance always varies when it comes to iOS software updates, so you’ll want to branch out and get a second or third opinion before installing.

I will not go into details about the features of the iOS 9.1 update. If you need more information about emojis and their other features, take a look at our step-by-step. (Note: iPad Air 2 users can now edit and share 4K videos with iOS 9.1 and iMovie.)

Also note that I am unable to use the iOS 9.1 update on iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3 or iPad mini. If you own one of these devices, you need to dig a little deeper. YouTube is a great place to start.

Apps

During my week with the iPad iOS 9.1 update, I’ve seen several apps crash but nothing beyond that. App crashes are a pretty normal occurrence especially on iPhone.

So far, there have been the usual suspects. Chrome crashed several times on iPad mini 2 and iPad Air. Facebook and Twitter crashed on all iPads. Spotify crashed once on iPad Air.

Asana, Slack, YouTube, Instagram, Hangouts, Gmail, Dark Sky, Amazon, SoundCloud and Xbox One Smartglass all work. I haven’t seen any of them come off the line.

Of course, I kept all these apps up to date on all my devices. Developers are constantly releasing iOS 9 support updates and bug fixes. Two examples: Facebook and Instagram have released important updates for iOS users.

If you’re having app issues on your iPad, you’ll want to look into the App Store. A bug fix or iOS 9 support update is likely to help. If you don’t see anything or the bug fix update fails, reinstall the app and restart your device.

If that doesn’t work, it’s time to contact the developer or contact users on the app’s official forums if available.

iPad iOS 9.1 Battery Life

I took a close look at battery life during my week with iOS 9.1 and so far I haven’t noticed anything wrong with it.

All devices are constantly charging when in use and in standby mode. The standby part is very important because I don’t use these devices all day like I do on the iPhone. They sit and do a lot.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the battery usage tool that Apple provides. The company made it even more useful by upgrading it in iOS 9. I keep track of my apps and services and so far nothing catches my eye. The apps that eat the biggest heap are the ones I use the most.

If you are using Facebook, install the latest update. Might help. If you’re not using Facebook or the update isn’t helping, you need to be proactive because iOS 9.1 didn’t bring widespread battery issues to the iPad. Which means we probably won’t get a fix in Apple’s next update.

I’ve put together a list of fixes and tips to help you uncover what’s bothering your iPad’s battery. iOS updates are not supposed to harm your battery, so an app, service, or bad habit is likely causing the problem.

Wi-Fi, LTE and Bluetooth

The only cellular-enabled iPad I own is the iPad mini 2. I rarely use it on AT&T’s LTE network. I’ve been testing on AT&T for a week and haven’t encountered any connectivity issues. Speeds are good and can hold a connection.

I test Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on all three and the results are the same. All three can pair with Bluetooth devices, including speakers and headphones. I usually pair my iPad with the Bose SoundLink Mini to conserve the iPad battery. No problem doing this so far.

I’ve tested all three on various routers and Wi-Fi connections and haven’t run into any issues yet. Wi-Fi issues can pop up out of nowhere, but I haven’t had any Wi-Fi issues in a long time, so I’m pretty confident going forward.

If you’re worried about connectivity issues or your iPad is working, take a look at our list of fixes for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data issues. They should help.

Bugs and Issues

If you haven’t installed iOS 9.1 yet but rely on your alarm to wake you up at work or school, know that there’s a potentially devastating problem.

If you choose to install the iOS 9.1 update overnight (which is a new feature in iOS 9) it may set off your alarms. Users have been complaining about this issue for a week. What’s the solution? Do not set it to install overnight. It’s that simple.

iOS 9.1 is extremely stable across all three iPad models. I didn’t notice any major bugs or issues. Major issues (like this alarm issue) usually occur within the first week, so it’s a good sign that I haven’t seen or heard anything significant.

I’ve researched all three devices but haven’t come across any smaller bugs or issues that have devastated my iOS 9.1 experience.

Some iPad users are encountering problems. If you’re using iOS 9.1 and you see something, take a look at our list of fixes.

If you’re not on iOS 9.1 yet, do some prep work before installing. A little prep work should go a long way towards preventing iOS 9.1 issues on your iPad version.

User Interface Speed

iOS 9.1 is fast on my iPhone 5 and fast on all three of these iPads. None of these updates showed any slowdowns or lags.

Multitasking is still fast, Spotlight and Control Center animations are fluid, and I haven’t noticed any slowness when opening apps or folders. So, same as iOS 9.0, iOS 9.0.1 and iOS 9.0.2. No complaints here.

Should You Install the iOS 9.1 Update?

I think for most of you iOS 9.1 is worth the risk. The new emojis are great. The iOS 9.1 update fixes a ton of iOS 9 issues. Fixes potential exploits. And the performance is outstanding, at least on my trio list.

If you’re coming from an older version of iOS 9, I think iOS 9.1 is easy. If you’re coming from an older place, you’ll want to explore some additional feedback and decide whether its features are worth porting to with iOS 9.

iOS 9.1 is the most stable release of iOS 9 to date, and I think now is a great time to jump out of iOS 8 or whatever you’re doing.

Next? iOS 9.2. Or maybe an iOS 9.1.1 update.