According to AppleInsider, iOS 9.2.1 rivals iOS 8.4.1 on A5 Devices

[stulaw11]

To be fair, in that sense, they should allow people to downgrade to a version that works best for them. Sure an old device might not be expected to perform well on the latest OS versions that is years newer, but it can work fairly well on an older OS version. Sure, it would be with various limitations in the sense of what apps are supported and all that), but if a user would find that to be a better experience for them, that's certainly an important factor to consider.

True but then apple carried the liability for security holes in the old OS versions That's the major flaw in that argument. Then someone gets hacked and sues Apple because Apple let them downgrade to a version with known security flaws.

It's a no-win scenario for Apple here. People complain their 5 year old device is slow, or people complain that Apple exposed them to OS security flaws letting them downgrade.

 

[Jayderek]

True but then apple carried the liability for security holes in the old OS versions That's the major flaw in that argument. Then someone gets hacked and sues Apple because Apple let them downgrade to a version with known security flaws.

It's a no-win scenario for Apple here. People complain their 5 year old device is slow, or people complain that Apple exposed them to OS security flaws letting them downgrade.

exactly. Not to mention the endless amount of bitching when developers don't support older versions of their games or applications. It's a no win for everyone.

 

[stulaw11]

exactly. Not to mention the endless amount of bitching when developers don't support older versions of their games or applications. It's a no win for everyone.

Oh that too. Some apps needs the newer APIs in the newer OS versions to run.

Really it's no win to support old OS versions beyond their life cycles.

This is Apple's model, like it or lump it really. If you'd rather be on a 2 year old OS and never have to (well not able to because not available) upgrade but be subjected to security holes and bugs for years Android awaits.

I've been to the other side of the field, the grass is definitely not greener- even IF you can find the newest 6.x OS version for your 2015 device (still back on 4.x or 5.x) on XDA developers and hack it onto your phone 3/4 working spending hours sorting through ROMs. Been there done that many times over trying to keep not so old devices on the newest version of Android. Simply takes dozens of hours to keep up and live with huge bugs from hacking it onto the device

Apple's model is simple for the end user. Get the newest OS with all of the bug and security fixes and support it as long as they possibly can on their products.

 

[C DM]

True but then apple carried the liability for security holes in the old OS versions That's the major flaw in that argument. Then someone gets hacked and sues Apple because Apple let them downgrade to a version with known security flaws.

It's a no-win scenario for Apple here. People complain their 5 year old device is slow, or people complain that Apple exposed them to OS security flaws letting them downgrade.

There's certainly that to consider as well. That said, Apple has certainly lived with people being able to downgrade Mac OS for years and years without those types of things really rising up as issues for them.

 

[stulaw11]

There's certainly that to consider as well. That said, Apple has certainly lived with people being able to downgrade Mac OS for years and years without those types of things really rising up as issues for them.

True but you can't just issue a small patch a mobile OS like a desktop OS- by my understanding of how they're packaged. The mobile OS will be a new build of the packaged OS; the desktop can just be a small file that updates certain portions. And the old iOS updates weren't OTA so required a full OS upgrade/overwrite.

 

[Agent2015]

I never experienced 8.x.x on my iPad 2, but 9.2.1, which is no different from 9.2 at all here, is slow as hell with apps crasing left and right, and random unresponsiveness that can go on for10+ seconds. 7.1.2 was not perfect but it was definitely useable. 9.2(.1) is so slow that I am thinking of buying a new iPad, because it is so painfull to use.

I so much regret updating.

I agree with you completely. My iPad 2 was very slow running the last iOS 9.2.1 beta. I have experienced a substantial improvement in performance running iOS 9.3 beta 1 on my iPad 2. That being said, it's simply a courtesy that Apple even includes the iPad 2 in the iOS 9 upgrade cycle considering its age. I suspect this will the last iOS upgrade available for the iPad 2. Thankfully I have many other iOS devices happily running either iOS 9.2.1 or iOS 9.3 Beta 1 including an iPhone 5. A new iPad is in my near future! An iPad Air 3 perhaps?

 

[LordQ]

As a 4s user, the phone has always been running smooth for me since iOS 5. Yes, Reduce Motion is ON, Transparency is OFF and I do a full restore without backup every major release.

 

[C DM]

True but you can't just issue a small patch a mobile OS like a desktop OS- by my understanding of how they're packaged. The mobile OS will be a new build of the packaged OS; the desktop can just be a small file that updates certain portions. And the old iOS updates weren't OTA so required a full OS upgrade/overwrite.

They've been doing delta updates for some time now as well as OTA. Sure, not all really old devices and OS versions would be compatible, and that can be a limitation, but doesn't seem like that would apply to much from the past 4-5 or so years already.

 

[stulaw11]

They've been doing delta updates for some time now as well as OTA. Sure, not all really old devices and OS versions would be compatible, and that can be a limitation, but doesn't seem like that would apply to much from the past 4-5 or so years already.

Im not sure when delta updates began, OTA was iOS5 but Im pretty sure delta updates were for a few versions after that. Just another hurdle trying to go backwards/downgrade really was the point.

There are quite a few- security holes, updates, app compatibility, on and on.

But again per these types of videos when you're talking about nanoseconds one way or the other why would you NOT want the feature and security updates

 

[997440]

Thanks, @Traverse. This thread helped me.

I've been hesitant to update an iPad Mini(1) from 8.4.1 to 9.x, in this case 9.2.1.. I did it today via iTunes. It's only been used for a couple of hours but all seems well. If there's been any changes in performance, they're not easily noticeable. There's only a couple of non-stock apps on it and no games. It's mainly used for browsing and mail. There's still the expected page reloads in Safari, especially here, but the device is what it is.

So far, considering the security updates, I'd consider 9.2 to be a success. I'll be doing another in the near future.

 

[Act3]

True but then apple carried the liability for security holes in the old OS versions That's the major flaw in that argument. Then someone gets hacked and sues Apple because Apple let them downgrade to a version with known security flaws.

It's a no-win scenario for Apple here. People complain their 5 year old device is slow, or people complain that Apple exposed them to OS security flaws letting them downgrade.

I'd bet many people still use an ipod touch 4th generation or older on the internet and have no idea it is a security risk. What about the liability there?

 

[Radon87000]

Of course and on iOS3 I bet it screams. There's always something older that will run better on hardware if its time. But as you add more and more features and complexity to an OS it takes more processing power and resources. Nature of the beast.

Dont like it dont upgrade. No ones is forcing anyone to upgrade on their now 5 year old devices

The same few handful of people/instigators around here will never ever be happy no matter what Apples does, so it's just better to just click their screename, hit ignore in the pop-up menu, and byebye all of their posts in all threads to not have to hear it over and over again like some parrot how bad Apple is and lag lag stutter stutter.

You know this "Apple doesn't force you to upgrade" is as nonsensical as Microsoft not forcing Windows 7 and 8.1 users to upgrade to 10.In Apple's case what happened was my Mom not knowing anything about tech all that much got curious by that big red 1 and accidentally managed to upgrade her 5s to iOS 9.On top of that if your phone gets broken you have no option but to get a upgraded device

We're talking about iOS 9.2.1 not the unfinished iOS 9.3

iOS 9.3 is much much smoother than iOS 9.2.1

Of course, but the naysayers will always be naysayers. Oh yeh? Oh yeh? Well um that guy is a fanboy, there it can't possibly be true! Sort of like the infamous line from the old show Mythbusters that "I reject your reality and substitute my own."

As if an Android/Windows/Blackberry fan is going to compare iOs versions on an iPhone? Not really sure what was expected; obviously an iOS fan would be doing these types of tests.

Always some excuse from the same few naysayers around here.

Don't expect reason and common sense from Radon. Instead of reaching out to Apple or switching to another product He loves to push his delusional opinion of how bad iOS 9 is and when no one listens or agrees he invades other threads.

If you guys bothered to read,iOS 9.3 is smoother than 9.2.1.Its still not on 8.4.1 performance levels.Still needs more polish especially in scroll areas

 

[Michael Goff]

You know this "Apple doesn't force you to upgrade" is as nonsensical as Microsoft not forcing Windows 7 and 8.1 users to upgrade to 10.In Apple's case what happened was my Mom not knowing anything about tech all that much got curious by that big red 1 and accidentally managed to upgrade her 5s to iOS 9.On top of that if your phone gets broken you have no option but to get a upgraded device


iOS 9.3 is much much smoother than iOS 9.2.1


If you guys bothered to read,iOS 9.3 is smoother than 9.2.1.Its still not on 8.4.1 performance levels.Still needs more polish especially in scroll areas

So 100% not nonsensical and completely true?

 

[lagwagon]

So 100% not nonsensical and completely true?

Apple made icon badges for updates and such red on purpose because they know no one can resist hitting the red button. So that obviously means it's forced.

 

[Michael Goff]

Apple made icon badges for updates and such red on purpose because they know no one can resist hitting the red button. So that obviously means it's forced.

If you don't put the /s, somebody will think you're being serious.

 

[Radon87000]

So 100% not nonsensical and completely true?

They both place users in such a scenario that unless you are a tech geek you will always push the upgrade button.Microsoft has lately taken to push W10 through the Windows update system with no cancel installation button.Apple doesn't even include a warning for the performance degradation.

PS-That big red badge is an eyesore too

 

[Michael Goff]

They both place users in such a scenario that unless you are a tech geek you will always push the upgrade button.Microsoft has lately taken to push W10 through the Windows update system with no cancel installation button.Apple doesn't even include a warning for the performance degradation.

PS-That big red badge is an eyesore too

Oh no, it looks bad. Call the press. As for the performance issues? Not everyone is getting them, and not even everyone who gets them has them to the same extent. Not to mention that not every non-tech person focused their uses mainly around the CC and Notification Center.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Again, understand within reason that you're using a 2011 device.

I am completely aware of this. I have an iPad 2, and iPhone 4S, a 2011 iMac and a 2011 Mac Mini. Everything but the iPad 2 works wonderfully.

They simply cannot support 5+ year old devices forever while progressing the OS forward at the same time adding features. They are opposites- more features equals more memory and processing power needed.

And they don't. Most of the new features are not available for older models.

The iPad 2 is the very oldest iPad iOS9 supports. So it will be the farthest away from optimal experience.

I don't expect an iPad Air 2 experience by far, but I do expect the machine to be useable - *Especially* considering Apples public promise of making iOS9 a maintenance and speed release! In fact, it has been quite the opposite, so in fact, Apple lied and made a mess of my product. If there was a possibility to downgrade, I would consider this a non-issue, but alas, that is not possible. And since the majority of new features aren't even available on that model, you have to ask what is slowing it down.

As it is now, it is extremely slow, unresponsive for extended periods of time, apps are crashing left and right, apps can complete lock the user interface, etc. And for what? Apple's PR department can show of a graph that says "So and so many are using iOS9! Fastest update in history!". I feel scammed, and happy that I didn't update my iPhone 4S, which is chugging along happily on iOS7.1.2 - With practically the same set of features, compared to iOS9.

It's time to upgrade that Ipad 2.

I've also come to that conclusion, as it isn't worth using now.

 

[Radon87000]

Oh no, it looks bad. Call the press. As for the performance issues? Not everyone is getting them, and not even everyone who gets them has them to the same extent. Not to mention that not every non-tech person focused their uses mainly around the CC and Notification Center.

The point of this thread is comparing 8.4.1 and 9.2.1.The 2 videos above prove that 9.3/9.2.1 has still not caught up to 8.4.1 in pure speed and smoothness.What people feel is irrelevant.My dad cant tell the speed difference between a 4S and a 5c.Theres probably many iphone owners like him out there too

 

[Damolee]

If they fixed stuttering in Messages, I'd be happy. Not much to ask for. I can deal with everything else.

 

[I7guy]

I am completely aware of this. I have an iPad 2, and iPhone 4S, a 2011 iMac and a 2011 Mac Mini. Everything but the iPad 2 works wonderfully.

And they don't. Most of the new features are not available for older models.

I don't expect an iPad Air 2 experience by far, but I do expect the machine to be useable - *Especially* considering Apples public promise of making iOS9 a maintenance and speed release! In fact, it has been quite the opposite, so in fact, Apple lied and made a mess of my product. If there was a possibility to downgrade, I would consider this a non-issue, but alas, that is not possible. And since the majority of new features aren't even available on that model, you have to ask what is slowing it down.

As it is now, it is extremely slow, unresponsive for extended periods of time, apps are crashing left and right, apps can complete lock the user interface, etc. And for what? Apple's PR department can show of a graph that says "So and so many are using iOS9! Fastest update in history!". I feel scammed, and happy that I didn't update my iPhone 4S, which is chugging along happily on iOS7.1.2 - With practically the same set of features, compared to iOS9.


I've also come to that conclusion, as it isn't worth using now.

My iPad 2 ran like "junk" under iOS 8. Good riddance. Runs better under iOS 9.
[doublepost=1453380238][/doublepost]

The point of this thread is comparing 8.4.1 and 9.2.1.The 2 videos above prove that 9.3/9.2.1 has still not caught up to 8.4.1 in pure speed and smoothness.What people feel is irrelevant.My dad cant tell the speed difference between a 4S and a 5c.Theres probably many iphone owners like him out there too

iOS 9 was already benching faster than iOS 8.4.1. So we should take some random youtube videos as gospel ?

 

[Radon87000]

My iPad 2 ran like "junk" under iOS 8. Good riddance. Runs better under iOS 9.
[doublepost=1453380238][/doublepost]
iOS 9 was already benching faster than iOS 8.4.1. So we should take some random youtube videos as gospel ?

If we go the benchmarks route,the HTC One M9 benches faster than my iPhone.Is it though?

 

[I7guy]

If we go the benchmarks route,the HTC One M9 benches faster than my iPhone.Is it though?

I've never used that phone, if it is faster more power to it. I don't buy phones on benchmarks, unlike cars which I do.

 

[Radon87000]

I've never used that phone, if it is faster more power to it. I don't buy phones on benchmarks, unlike cars which I do.

It has higher benchmarks but the iPhone 6 still feels faster in real world usage which is what matters.iOS 9 in real world usage is slower than iOS 8.4.1 which is proven by the countless Youtube videos

 

[I7guy]

It has higher benchmarks but the iPhone 6 still feels faster in real world usage which is what matters.iOS 9 in real world usage is slower than iOS 8.4.1 which is proven by the countless Youtube videos

But i feel ios 9 is faster as iOS 8 was such a disaster especially with safari.