Apple just released a big update to its mobile operating system in preparation for the launch of the Apple Watch next month. iOS 8.2 is available for download now and includes support tor the Apple Watch, various bug fixes, and improvements to the Health app.
There’s a new Apple Watch app that allows the iPhone to pair and sync with Apple’s wearable, along with customize its settings and manage applications on the device once it launches next month. In addition, the update also brings an Activity app that only appears once someone has paired their Apple Watch with an iPhone and will allow them to track the activity data that they’ve generated from wearing the Watch.
The Health app also got some love, and now allows users to select the unit of measurement for distance, body temperature, height, weight and blood glucose measurements. It’s also more stable when it comes to dealing with large amounts to data, like all of the step information the device collects.
Like Apple’s other software updates, this one includes a bunch of bug fixes, including an issue in Maps that prevented people from navigating to some of their favorite locations and one that prevented some music or playlists from syncing from iTunes to the Music app on the phone.
The update is a big one – clocking in at 476 MB on my iPhone 6 and 390 MB on my iPad Mini 3 – so people who want to install it right away should make sure they have plenty of time on their hands. To install the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update on an iOS device, or plug the device into a computer running iTunes and select “Check For Update.”
As with any software update, it’s important to ensure that any iOS devices are backed up prior to installation. While everything should go smoothly, it’s better to be safe than sorry in the event of a problem.
