Do you think today is our last chance of making a clean install of iOS 14.8?

[Populus]

Tomorrow Apple will release iOS 15.0, and it doesn’t look too promising on older devices like the iPhone 8, performance-wise and, especially, battery-wise.

So I’ve been waiting to perform a clean install but each version has its own share of issues (connectivity, battery drain, performance, you name it)... so I’ve come to this day without going further iOS 14.4.2.

Apple said we would be able to keep updating our devices on iOS 14, however, I don’t see Apple allowing us to make a clean install through Finder once iOS 15 has been released, and that’s happening tomorrow.

Right now I don’t have a good connection or the cables to perform a clean install of iOS 14.8 on all my devices, and honestly I don’t know what to do. Wait to see what happens tomorrow? Or look for a good internet connection ASAP in case today is the last day I’ll be able to update?

Thank you.

 

[eastworm]

You are overthinking bro. Just update to 14.8 and if anything, you can downgrade to 14.7.1. Anytime better than 14.4.2 imo.

 

[gren81]

Tomorrow Apple will release iOS 15.0, and it doesn’t look too promising on older devices like the iPhone 8, performance-wise and, especially, battery-wise.

So I’ve been waiting to perform a clean install but each version has its own share of issues (connectivity, battery drain, performance, you name it)... so I’ve come to this day without going further iOS 14.4.2.

Apple said we would be able to keep updating our devices on iOS 14, however, I don’t see Apple allowing us to make a clean install through Finder once iOS 15 has been released, and that’s happening tomorrow.

Right now I don’t have a good connection or the cables to perform a clean install of iOS 14.8 on all my devices, and honestly I don’t know what to do. Wait to see what happens tomorrow? Or look for a good internet connection ASAP in case today is the last day I’ll be able to update?

Thank you.

You raise an interesting point as my wife has an iPhone 8 and I have an iPhone X - neither of which are eligible for T-Mo’s “Forever Upgrade”. Your comments could relate to that and it has me thinking about what you want to do - clean install of 14.8 via Finder v incremental install to 14.8 OTA.

Some thoughts are:

I would think it is most important to get a full backup on your [Mac] via Finder today in case you want to revert. That only requires a certified Apple Lightning-USB cable.

By the same token, then getting temporary access to a decent secure internet connection would seem to be the next step (e.g., at a friend’s house).

Once a clean install of iOS 14.8 via Finder is completed and your device(s) have iOS 14.8 installed, then access to the internet via WiFi would seem to be minimal.

Does one or more of your devices have access the hotspot and sufficient data limits with a reliable connection for purposes of configuring the devices?

Just some thoughts. I would prioritize based on the most critical devices first.

 

[Slartibart]

Apple stated at the WWDC that “iOS now offers a choice between two software update versions in the Settings app. You can update to the latest version of iOS 15 as soon as it's released for the latest features and most complete set of security updates. Or continue on iOS 14 and still get important security updates until you're ready to upgrade to the next major version.” - so no need to be concerned.

 

[ecatomb]

Whats is a clean install for iOS ?
Will have to manually configure sound and other thing, have to install app again, etc ?

 

[Populus]

Whats is a clean install for iOS ?
Will have to manually configure sound and other thing, have to install app again, etc ?

Yes. You basically wipe the phone by plugging it to the mac, and “restoring” the system on it. That deletes everything and sets the phone as new.

It is the cleanest way to install a problematic release, to have as few issues as possible.

 

[Populus]

You raise an interesting point as my wife has an iPhone 8 and I have an iPhone X - neither of which are eligible for T-Mo’s “Forever Upgrade”. Your comments could relate to that and it has me thinking about what you want to do - clean install of 14.8 via Finder v incremental install to 14.8 OTA.

Some thoughts are:

I would think it is most important to get a full backup on your [Mac] via Finder today in case you want to revert. That only requires a certified Apple Lightning-USB cable.

By the same token, then getting temporary access to a decent secure internet connection would seem to be the next step (e.g., at a friend’s house).

Once a clean install of iOS 14.8 via Finder is completed and your device(s) have iOS 14.8 installed, then access to the internet via WiFi would seem to be minimal.

Does one or more of your devices have access the hotspot and sufficient data limits with a reliable connection for purposes of configuring the devices?

Just some thoughts. I would prioritize based on the most critical devices first.

Yeah, that’s the problem, I have limited data and I wouldn’t like to lose all my data (I just began the monthly data count).

I could spend 4 or 5GB downloading iOS on my mac, however, there are other devices I’d need to update, and I don’t have access to them as of now.

 

[Puonti]

Has Apple stated anywhere what they will offer to devices running iOS 12 or 13 come tomorrow? Straight to iOS 15 (if the device is supported), or to iOS 14 first, then choice of 14 or 15 going forward?

 

[Puonti]

To answer my own question, devices with pre-14 iOS versions go straight to iOS 15 (if eligible).

 

[Populus]

Also, to answer my question, devices on 14.4.2 and earlier, go straight to iOS 15 when you update. Unless you manually download iOS 14.8 and install it while it’s still signed.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Looks like you can still restore to 14.7.1 or 14.8 both are still being signed on ipsw.me..

 

[ElectronGuru]

Whats is a clean install for iOS ?
Will have to manually configure sound and other thing, have to install app again, etc ?

My favorite approach splits the difference

1) connect to Mac

2) backup device with encryption

3) wipe out device

4) restore from backup

Keeps my favorite settings but doesn’t restore a bunch of garbage

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

14.7.1 no longer being signed.

 

[gren81]

My favorite approach splits the difference

1) connect to Mac

2) backup device with encryption

3) wipe out device

4) restore from backup

Keeps my favorite settings but doesn’t restore a bunch of garbage

I am intrigued and interested in doing a clean install of iOS 15 on my iPhone X doing likewise with a clean install of iWatchOS 8.0 with my paired Apple Watch Series 6.

Do the benefits outweigh the risks and investment of time?

Because both devices are backed up (via my Mac and iCloud which are in sync), I figure now might be the best time and opportunity.

My hesitation has been the unforeseen issues that pop-up and ultimately get resolved.

Ultimately, my question is has the collective experience indicated that a clean install is likely worth it for an iPhone X (and my Apple Watch).