How To Survive Apple’s iOS 13 Update Blitz

I’m one of those people who must always run the most up-to-date version of anything I’m using. Apps? Games? Hardware? If a device or piece of software doesn’t have an auto-updater (and even if it does), I’m constantly checking to make sure it has the latest fixes, features and security patches. It’s an obsession.

I, and others, have noticed that Apple is taking an usually strong pace for updates in this brand-new iOS 13 world, and for good reason. The first public launch of iOS 13 was riddled with some annoying bugs and lacked a few fun features that were oh-so-close to making the launch date, but couldn’t.

Since then, Apple has released iOS 13.1, as well as iOS 13.1.1 and iOS 13.1.2 — an unexpectedly higher number of updates than what you typically see for a new iOS release. In the latest iOS 13.1.2 update, changes include:

• Fixes a bug where the progress bar for iCloud Backup could continue to show after a successful backup

• Fixes an issue where Camera may not work

• Addresses an issue where the flashlight may not activate

• Fixes a bug that could result in a loss of display calibration data

• Fixes an issue where shortcuts could not be run from HomePod

• Addresses an issue where Bluetooth may disconnect on certain vehicles

What does that mean for you? Make sure you’re checking your iPhone at regular intervals to determine whether you’re running the very-latest version of the operating system (via Settings > General > Software Update). Not only does staying on top of updates help you address some bugs you might be experiencing, but it’s a great way to get the latest security fixes, too.

If, by chance, one of Apple’s newer updates happens to mess your phone up, you have a few options. Don’t forget about the good ol’ Force Restart, which might help you out. You can also try physically connecting your iPhone to a computer via a USB/Lightning cable and see if that encourages it to fix itself. Worse comes to worse, a trip to the Apple Store — and a good story, if you’re out of warranty — might be your solution.