Apple
iOS 9.2 Review: Should You Install?
The iOS 9.2 update comes with bug fixes, enhancements and new features but it also comes with problems. We’ve been testing the iOS 9.2 update on iPhone and iPad and today we want to help you decide if it’s worth installing on your device.
In December, after a stint in beta, Apple released its iOS 9.2 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. As expected, the update brought more than just bug fixes and security enhancements to Apple’s iOS 9 powered devices.
iOS 9.2, like Apple’s iOS 9.1 update, is a milestone upgrade for iOS 9 which means that it’s more than your standard incremental update. It brings bug fixes and patches for security exploits but it also brings new features (AT&T NumberSync, Arabic support for Siri to name a few) to the table.
It also, according to some iOS 9.2 users, fails to fix some iOS 9 problems and brings some of its own problems along with it.
For several weeks, we’ve been testing the iOS 9.2 update on popular iPhones and iPads. And during that stretch, we’ve been asked countless times about the merits of the iOS 9.2 update and whether it’s worth a download. Today, after spending quality time with iOS 9.2, we’re ready to answer that question for you.
This iOS 9.2 review is broken down into six mini reviews. One for the iPhone 6s, one for the iPhone 6s Plus, one for the iPhone 6, one for the iPhone 6 Plus, one for the iPhone 5, and one for the iPad. We’ve been using the iOS 9.2 update on other devices but these represent the devices we’ve spent the most time with.
If you don’t want to read about each update, you can select your specific iOS 9.2 review from the list below.
Note that our iOS 9,2 reviews aren’t focused on the update’s features. Rather, they’re focused on iOS 9.2 performance in key areas. If you want to learn more about iOS 9.2’s features, take a look at our detailed walkthrough.
iPhone 6s iOS 9.2 Review | |||||||
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In the buildup to the iOS 9.2 release, we had been dealing with some annoying problems on the iPhone 6s, Apple's smaller flagship. During iOS 9.1's final days, we saw an uptick in random reboots and keyboard lag. They were infrequent but annoying nonetheless. The iOS 9.2 change log didn't feature fixes for these issues but as is the case sometimes, the iOS 9.2 update patched these problems up. For now at least. The iPhone 6s iOS 9.2 is stable enough to use as a daily driver. We haven't had any thoughts about going back to iOS 9.2. We haven't experienced any wonky battery life. We've been able to connect to routers and Bluetooth devices without any headaches. The UI is fast and fluid. And our applications are all performing at a very high level. Even Chrome. We haven't heard about or seen any widespread iOS 9.2 problems plaguing the iPhone 6s. There are issues but they're isolated. With performance and the upgrades that iOS 9.2 delivers in mind, we're recommending the iOS 9.2 update to iPhone 6s users. While you shouldn't anticipate running into issues, we suggest that you do some prep work before you install the software. At the very least, make a backup. | |||||||
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Antoniopreed
12/17/2015 at 7:43 am
1=07 my roomate’s ex-wife makes $65 hourly on the laptop . She has been out of work for 9 months but last month her pay check was $19510 just working on the laptop for a few hours.
why not look here… See More
Al G.
12/17/2015 at 8:54 am
I’ve seen the lag you mention on my iphone 5s with 9.2 installed. It’s not mad slow but for the first time I am experiencing some lag at times when pulling up Control center and oddly when opening camera I get a black screen for a sec or two before the camera displays and image in view. Others than that my 5s battery life, and performance is still good for an aging device.
Ben
12/20/2015 at 4:36 am
I updated my 6s three days ago and it’s pretty annoying the network signal keeps losing ! I have to restart my phone for two or three times !!!!!! Until now! And the battery.. Well, theres no surprise there. This will be my last iphone. Oh ive done all those fix mentioned all over the net and it’s still the same!
Ioana
12/21/2015 at 2:44 am
on an iphone 5s, after updating to ios 9.2 i will lose data?
Jb
12/21/2015 at 4:50 am
I have the same problem, my wifi is fine but i always get this no service on my network issue. Restart all over again. Why?!
David Kavic
12/21/2015 at 5:36 am
So all in all the iPad Mini 2 is being left in the dust despite being a very popular item this season. With an A7 and 1gb ram on iOS there shouldn’t be any lag issues. I might take the gamble and upgrade only because I have a brand new one with barely anything installed on it.
What?
12/24/2015 at 12:32 am
I dont understand why im always getting a no service on my network! My iphone6s is bnew but i updated to the ios 9.2 and this gives me the trouble!!!!!!!
Howard Myers
12/25/2015 at 6:11 am
Have iPhone 6 should I install iOS 9.2
Jeannie
12/26/2015 at 6:03 am
I cannot find CROP feature in iOS 9.2 for photos.
Charlie Reckless
03/15/2016 at 4:11 pm
Did you ever figure ot out?
jack hole
12/27/2015 at 6:08 pm
do not update!!! there are already enough stresses without 9.2 updates. network keeps losing signal. if you have not update, DONT !!!! not recommended. Also pse make sure your next mobile is not a iphone!!!
Mark
12/29/2015 at 7:22 am
I tried to update to 9.2 and got the dreaded 4005 error! Now I’ve wasted and hour trying to restore and fix my phone!
willy
12/31/2015 at 12:47 am
after i update my ios to 9.2 my camera wont work, still can take picture but wont save to photo album. i do screen shoot also not appear at my photo album. i delete my old photo, but its still there. i’m so disappointed with this new ios
Ico Alexiev
01/02/2016 at 6:13 am
Apple are morons!
Jackie
01/02/2016 at 10:18 am
Where is wallet after update??
So I can’t pay now??
J. Chua
01/04/2016 at 6:00 am
my ipad mini 4 begins to have a keyboard lag with the ios9.2 installed. Even writing this comment gives me a headache.
Carol
01/04/2016 at 10:15 pm
I updated my ipad and its soooo slow now. It also keeps crashing randomly. I hate it!
Chris
01/05/2016 at 12:40 am
Omg i thought im the only one having problem with ios 9.2 whew! I have this no service issue since i updated to this frakin ios 9.2, it is disgusting! My 6s is barely two weeks old!
Trooper_747
01/07/2016 at 1:51 pm
Iphone 6 does not discover wifi networks after updating to ios 9.2. Tried all possible fixes only to achieve temporary solutions. hope 9.2.1 will fix this issue.
Elce
01/08/2016 at 4:56 am
Sounds like NOT installing 9.2 is a good idea, at least for me.
N
01/08/2016 at 7:43 am
My Ipad became katastrophie
slow
bugs
can not get the sim to work
ydharma
01/11/2016 at 12:53 pm
at this moment i had a rare issue, my 3days-old 6s+ wont be rebooted, so i must restore it with itunes, in the middle of my busy day, hope this update won’t make me do this for the 2nd time.. time is precious
Kog
01/16/2016 at 12:08 pm
Had a nag window pop up right around black friday to apply this update for features I never used. I resisted for almost 2 weeks but since Apple only gave the option to apply the update immediately, apply the update tonight or remind me tomorrow, I finally gave in and applied the update to shut it up. Now my ipad reboots constantly. Have tried a restore and full reset with no change. I have no doubt that this update was intentionally designed to brick old equipment and drive sales. Never again.
Bill
01/17/2016 at 8:50 pm
So what you are all saying is not to trust this review…..I will not upgrade.
Peekay
01/30/2016 at 6:00 am
This update completely destroyed my phone. It went completely dead, it would not restore power or even light up. I had it replaced two days later after my faith of recovery ran out. 3hrs of having my new replacement phone and losing ALL THE CONTENTS IN MY LAST PHONE, the new phone went dead… It still is dead… A day later after being on the charger over night ITS STILL DEAD OMFG, second phone same freakn issue as the first one so now I have to wait 3 more days for another replacement… I’m furious… iPhone 6s
William383
02/02/2016 at 6:16 am
iPad Mini, made space for the 1.3 GB 9.2 update but cancelled, I’m sticking with 8.3 as the update to 9.1 on my other Mk 1 iPad ruined it, it lags and often crashes while browsing Web sites with high content such. Not going to make the same mistake again. Mr Apple should warn all users of older ipads that they will likely run badly after..
P. L. B.
02/03/2016 at 4:38 pm
Is the full text of the User Agreement for iOS 9.2.1 published anywhere? There used to be a way to request that the UA be sent via email, but I don’t see that option on this version. Google searches yield nothing… I’d just like to know what I’m agreeing to, before I push the “Accept” button.
Ok
02/18/2016 at 6:34 am
My 6s won’t even let me download the new update. It just crashes whenever i hit ‘install now’. I guess it was a good thing though, cause of all the bugs im hearing about.