Apple released iOS 17.1.2 and iPadOS 17.1.2 on November 30, 2023, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the security of its devices. These updates are minor but significant iterations of the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating systems, which were originally introduced in September. The primary focus of this release is on delivering important security fixes, highlighting Apple’s commitment to protecting user data and privacy.
Common Fixes for iPadOS 17.1.2 Issues
Experiencing problems after updating to iPadOS 17.1.2? You’re not alone. Here’s a look at some common issues and their potential fixes:
Battery drain
Some users have reported a sudden decrease in battery life after the update. Here’s what you can try:
- Check battery usage: Go to “Settings” -> “Battery” and see which apps consume the most power. Consider limiting background activity or uninstalling those apps.
- Restart your iPad: A simple restart can sometimes fix temporary battery drain issues.
- Wait a few days: It sometimes takes a few days for your iPad’s battery usage patterns to readjust after an update.
Wi-Fi issues
If you’re experiencing flaky Wi-Fi connectivity, try these tips:
- Toggle Wi-Fi: Turn Wi-Fi off from the Control Center or “Settings” and then turn it back on.
- Forget and rejoin the network: Go to “Settings” -> “Wi-Fi”, tap your network, and select “Forget This Network”. Then, rejoin it.
- Reset network settings: Go to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Transfer or Reset iPad” -> “Reset” -> “Reset Network Settings”. Note that this will erase all your saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Unresponsive device
If your iPad freezes or apps crash constantly:
- Force restart:
- iPads with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and Top (or Side) buttons until the Apple logo appears.
- iPads without a Home button: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.
Other potential fixes
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overheating | Close resource-intensive apps and let your iPad cool down. |
| App crashes | Update the app or reinstall it. |
| Bluetooth not working | Toggle Bluetooth off and on, or forget and re-pair devices. |
If all else fails, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
Quick Overview
The following table summarizes the key information about the iPadOS 17.1.2 release:
This update is primarily focused on enhancing security and is a continuation of Apple’s ongoing efforts to maintain robust protection for its device ecosystem. Users are encouraged to update their devices to this latest version to ensure they are safeguarded against potential vulnerabilities.
Community Discussion on iPadOS 17.1.2 Release
The release of iPadOS 17.1.2 has been a topic of significant discussion within the Apple community, particularly on Reddit. Here’s a summary of the key points and user reactions from different subreddits:
r/ipad
- Bricking Issue on iPad Pro 2020: A user reported that their iPad Pro 2020 was bricked after attempting to update to iPadOS 17.1.2. The device became unresponsive after the update, and attempts to restore it were unsuccessful, with notifications of a corrupted update.
- DFU Mode Challenges: The same user mentioned that their iPad entered DFU mode during the process and was not recognized by the file manager after attempting reconnection.
- Community Support: Other users upvoted the post for visibility, indicating a concern within the community about potential update issues.
r/iphone
- Security Focus: Discussions on the r/iphone subreddit, while primarily about iOS 17.1.2, also touched on iPadOS 17.1.2. Users noted that the update seemed focused on security fixes, particularly addressing vulnerabilities in WebKit that could lead to sensitive information disclosure or arbitrary code execution.
- Device Compatibility and Bug Fixes: The update was noted to be available for various iPhone and iPad models, but there was skepticism about whether it addressed other bugs like the volume slider issue or wallpaper blur settings.
Overall Sentiment
The community’s reaction to the iPadOS 17.1.2 release is mixed. While there is appreciation for Apple’s continuous security updates, there is also concern over potential significant issues like device bricking. The discussions reflect a blend of frustration over unresolved bugs and a proactive approach by the community to seek solutions and share experiences. The update, while crucial for security, has raised questions about its stability and reliability among iPad users.
Common Issues and Solutions
Music Freezing Issues Some users report that music played from locally stored songs in shuffle mode freezes on the iPad. Closing app and rebooting don’t seem to help. The music will be frozen when the app restarts. Try uninstalling and re-installing the Music App (delete data & restore it) to resolve. You may also want to turn off iCloud and Subscriber options in Settings for Music and make sure all the songs are fully deleted before syncing again with the playlists you want.
Connectivity Issues Wi-Fi and cellular data problems can be frustrating. To resolve these, try resetting your network settings or toggling Wi-Fi/cellular data on and off. This simple step can often re-establish a stable connection.
Bluetooth and CarPlay Troubles If you’re experiencing issues with Bluetooth or CarPlay, a few methods might help. Restart your device, reset network settings, update your iPadOS, or forget the Bluetooth device and pair it again. These steps can often fix connectivity problems.
System Freezes and Crashes A force restart can be a quick fix for system freezes and crashes. For models with Face ID, press and release Volume Up, do the same with Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo. Also, ensure you have sufficient storage space, as low storage can impact performance.
Battery Drain To address rapid battery drain, check your battery usage in Settings and see which apps are consuming the most power. Updating apps and managing background app refresh for certain apps can also help save battery life.
UI Lag and Responsiveness If your iPad feels less responsive, a simple device restart can often refresh the system. Ensuring your iPadOS is up-to-date can also eliminate many performance issues.
App Malfunctions For apps that aren’t working correctly, try updating the app or, if necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the app. This can resolve many app-related issues.
Specific Issues and Advanced Troubleshooting
Predictive Text Not Working Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboards and toggle Predictive off and on. This can sometimes reset and fix issues with predictive text functionality.
Customization Issues If you’re unable to utilize advanced screen customization features, continue using Settings > Wallpaper for basic customization. Updating your device or restarting it can also be effective solutions.
Safari Responsiveness For Safari performance issues, close Safari tabs regularly and check for any pending software updates. Keeping your software up-to-date and managing tabs efficiently can enhance browser performance.
Screen Orientation Bugs Toggling the padlock icon in the Control Center can resolve screen orientation issues. This simple action can fix bugs related to shifting between landscape and portrait modes.
Screen Unresponsiveness If your screen is not responding as it should, force restarting your device is a recommended first step. Ensuring the screen is clean and free of obstructions can also help.
Payment Details Deleted Re-add your card via Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Add Card if you find your payment details missing after an update.
Changed Timer Tone You can change the timer tone back in the Clock app under Timers. This allows customization of alert sounds to your preference.
Installation Issues Installation problems can occur due to lack of free storage, insufficient charge, weak Wi-Fi, problematic VPN/Proxy settings, or busy Apple servers. Ensure you have adequate storage (4-6 GB) and a stable internet connection before attempting to update.
Boot Loop or Apple Logo During Update Older devices might get stuck with the Apple logo or enter a boot loop during an update. Force restarting the device and then trying to install the update again, either from the Settings app or using a computer, can resolve this issue.
Connectivity Issues with Accessories Connectivity issues with USB drives, mice, or other accessories post-update can be resolved by checking power connections, drive formats, permission settings, or using the correct cables and adapters.
Interactive Widgets Not Working If interactive widgets aren’t functioning properly, try deleting and re-adding them. This can reset their functionality and resolve any issues.
Changing Icon Sizes To change icon sizes, navigate to Settings > Home Screen & App Library. You can also use the Zoom feature in Accessibility settings to further adjust icon sizes for your comfort.
Screen Rotation Not Working Check if any Zoom settings are enabled that might be interfering with screen rotation. Disabling these settings or toggling dark mode might resolve the issue.
Battery Performance Post-Update Reduced battery performance can be normal immediately following an update, as the system re-indexes. Checking which apps consume the most power can help identify any unusual activity.
Sluggish Performance If your iPad feels slow, ensure that your apps are up-to-date and no unnecessary processes are running in the background. Clearing cache and restarting the device can also improve performance.
Pro Tips for Ongoing iPad Health
- Stay Updated: Regularly updating your iPadOS can prevent many issues.
- Backup Regularly: Always have a recent backup of your data.
- Monitor App Usage: Keep an eye on frequently used apps and their impact on device performance.
- Professional Help: If you’re unable to resolve an issue, consider seeking help from Apple’s support or visiting an Apple Store.
Summary
The update is recommended for all users, especially because it addresses critical security issues. One of the key vulnerabilities fixed in this update pertains to WebKit, the underlying engine for the Safari browser. The vulnerability in question could potentially allow the disclosure of sensitive information when processing web content. Given the widespread use of Safari across Apple devices, this update is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of user data.
The iPadOS 17.1.2 update is available for a range of devices, including iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro (12.9-inch 2nd generation and later), iPad Pro (10.5-inch), iPad Pro (11-inch 1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (6th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later). The build number for this update is 21B101. To install the update, users can navigate to the ‘Settings’ app, select ‘General’, and then ‘Software Update’. Alongside the iOS and iPadOS updates, Apple also released macOS Sonoma 14.1.2, which similarly focuses on security enhancements
FAQs
- How do I fix Wi-Fi connectivity issues on my iPad? Reset your network settings or toggle Wi-Fi off and on to fix connectivity issues.
- What should I do if my iPad is freezing or crashing? Try a force restart and ensure you have sufficient storage space.
- How can I improve battery life on my iPad? Check battery usage to identify power-hungry apps and update them regularly.
- Why is Safari not working properly on my iPad? Close Safari tabs regularly and keep your software updated.
- What can I do about screen orientation issues? Toggle the padlock icon in the Control Center to fix orientation bugs.
- How do I re-add deleted payment details after an update? Go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Add Card to re-add your payment details.
- Can I change the default timer tone on my iPad? Yes, change it in the Clock app under Timers.
- Why is my iPad not updating? Check for sufficient storage, device charge, Wi-Fi strength, and disable VPN/Proxy settings.
- My iPad is stuck on the Apple logo during an update, what should I do? Force restart your device and try updating again.
- How do I resolve accessory connectivity issues after an update? Check power connections, drive formats, permission settings, and ensure you’re using the correct cables and adapters.
