They have never been 100% smooth. Even through iOS 7.1.2, I remember that there were still dropped frames when turning the orientation with a keyboard displayed, using Control Center over a keyboard, over "Slide to Unlock" on the lock screen, turning the App Store, etc, etc. How are things going for iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3? Is it all still a wreck? If it is, I will probably just give this thing up and buy an Air 3 when that rolls around. It's insane how this iPad mini 2 of mine has always had performance problems, even on its very first iteration of iOS.