Apple ships iOS 9.0.1 to fix bug that paralyzed some iPhones
iOS 9.0.1, issued earlier today, addressed multiple problems, but the one at the top of the chart was a fix for the stuck-on-slide-to-upgrade bug that Apple acknowledged on its support site this week.
After iOS 9's launch last week, some users reported that their iPhones and iPads remained unresponsive on the "Slide to Upgrade" screen. Apple told them to try connecting their devices to a Mac or Windows PC running iTunes. However, that update approach has been largely discarded by users.
While the iPhone originally updated only through iTunes, in October 2011 Apple began offering over-the-air updates that could be downloaded and installed without connecting the device to a computer.
When Apple recommended the same tactic to iOS 8 users last year -- as a way to restore their devices after 8.0.1 crippled their calling capabilities -- many complained that they did not have a PC, and so had no way to revert to iOS 8.0.
Today, Apple said that iOS 9.0.1 "fixes an issue where some users could not complete setup assistant after updating," referring to the Slide to Upgrade screen.
Three hours after Apple offered iOS 9.0.1, Computerworld found just one negative report on the firm's support discussion forum. "Doesn't fix problem of not being able to finish the install," wrote someone identified as billxxyy. "iPhone 6, iOS 9.0.1, still broken."
iOS 9.0.1 can be downloaded over the air from iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches, or through iTunes. From an iPhone, for instance, users must touch the "Settings" icon, then the "General" button on the resulting screen. Tapping "Software Update" will kick off the process.
Those whose devices were affected by Slide to Upgrade should instead follow Apple's instructions here.